March 30, (THEWILL) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from office in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring all political appointees intending to contest elective positions in the 2027 general elections to step aside on or before March 31, 2026.
Tuggar’s resignation was confirmed on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
THEWILL reports that President Tinubu had, on March 17, directed all political appointees seeking elective positions in the 2027 polls to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive was conveyed in a presidential statement issued by Dewan Goshit, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
The statement noted that the order is anchored on Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires public office holders to step down ahead of party primaries. It added that the directive aligns with the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of party primaries.
Although Tuggar has not officially confirmed his next political move, his resignation has intensified speculation over his reported interest in contesting the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Born on March 12, 1967, Tuggar is a seasoned diplomat, policymaker, and political figure with a career spanning diplomacy, governance, and strategic consulting. He was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in August 2023 by President Tinubu, where he played a central role in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and strengthening international partnerships.
He previously served in the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011, representing Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State, and later emerged as a key political actor in the state’s governorship contests.
From 2017 to 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany, where he was credited with strengthening bilateral relations, expanding trade cooperation, and advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic interests in Europe.
As Foreign Affairs Minister, he led Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements under the Tinubu administration, with emphasis on economic diplomacy and strategic global partnerships.
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