Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned to pursue the governorship of Bauchi State, becoming one of the first senior officials to step down ahead of the 2027 elections, the ministry confirmed Monday.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, said in a statement, “The resignation of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs is confirmed.” Tuggar, from Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area, previously contested for the governorship and is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination.
Tuggar’s resignation comes as President Bola Tinubu’s administration directed all political appointees intending to contest elective offices to step down by March 31, 2026. Officials who fail to resign risk forfeiting their political ambitions, according to a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation citing Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission’s timetable for party primaries.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAs of Monday, at least 14 cabinet ministers and senior aides are reportedly seeking governorship tickets in their respective states, including Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani (Ogun), Minister of Transport Senator Saidu Alkali (Gombe), Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari (Borno), Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate (Bauchi), and Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo).
Political sources said many ministers have delayed resigning while awaiting presidential signals to secure party nominations. Analysts note that without formal backing, leaving a cabinet post could jeopardize chances of winning party tickets—a challenge highlighted by past election cycles.
In Bauchi, Tuggar and Prof. Pate both aim for the governorship, navigating competition from former Governor M.A. Abubakar and Senator Buba Shehu. Allies say Tuggar will contest once he receives presidential endorsement. “Of course, Tuggar is going to contest the APC gubernatorial ticket in Bauchi,” said Alhaji Uba Ahmed Nana, a former state APC chairman.
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Other senior appointees across Oyo, Lagos, Benue, and Yobe states are similarly weighing their resignations, with many seeking assurances from the presidency before taking the political leap.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
