Bauchi 2027: Yusuf Tuggar Resigns as Foreign Affairs Minister

By Our Reporter

Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position to pursue his ambition of contesting the governorship poll in Bauchi State.

The development was confirmed on Monday in a statement issued by the Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who said the minister had formally relinquished his duties.

Tuggar’s resignation followed a recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring all serving political appointees with intentions to contest in the forthcoming elections to resign ahead of the political season, a move aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and a level playing field.

Earlier, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, had disclosed Tuggar’s intention to join the Bauchi State governorship race.

"The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State," Abdulkadir said.

Responding to enquiries on the timing of his resignation prior to the official announcement, Abdulkadir noted that Tuggar would act in accordance with the timetable and guidelines released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“There is a timetable released by INEC that stipulates all the rules and regulations for running; he will adhere to this," he said.

Ambassador Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and politician, and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), hails from Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State. 

Before his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, he served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations and advancing Nigeria’s economic diplomacy.

Since assuming office as minister, Tuggar has been actively involved in repositioning Nigeria’s foreign policy, with a focus on regional security cooperation, trade expansion, and diaspora engagement.

His resignation signals his formal entry into the Bauchi State governorship race, setting the stage for what is expected to be a competitive political contest ahead of the next electoral cycle.