Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position, a development that has intensified conversations around his possible entry into the 2027 Bauchi State governorship race.
His departure follows a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring all political appointees with ambitions for elective office in the 2027 general elections to vacate their positions no later than March 31.
The presidential order was reportedly anchored on the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, as well as the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries ahead of the next election cycle.
Tuggar’s exit is widely seen as a strategic move amid growing reports that he may seek the governorship of Bauchi State under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A respected diplomat and experienced public servant, Tuggar was appointed into the federal cabinet by President Tinubu in August 2023. Born on March 12, 1967, he has built an impressive career across diplomacy, governance, energy policy, and strategic advisory roles.
He is widely recognized for his contributions to Nigeria’s international relations architecture and for strengthening the country’s diplomatic footprint on the global stage.
Before joining the cabinet, Tuggar served in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, representing Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State. He later emerged as a key figure in state politics, contesting for the governorship in previous election cycles.
Between 2017 and 2023, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, where he was instrumental in deepening bilateral ties, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting Nigeria’s interests across Europe.
During his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, Tuggar played a central role in driving Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and advancing the foreign policy agenda of the Tinubu administration.