Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from the cabinet of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he prepares to contest the Bauchi State governorship election ahead of 2027.
The development was confirmed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa. Reports indicate that Tuggar submitted his resignation letter to the President shortly after noon.
Sources say the former minister plans to run for governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress. His exit is linked to a recent presidential directive requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down from office.
The directive, issued earlier in March through the office of George Akume, mandates all affected officials to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
It applies to ministers, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants, and heads of federal agencies.
The policy is based on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, aimed at preventing conflicts of interest as preparations for the 2027 general elections begin to gather pace.
