Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally resigned from the federal executive council to pursue the Bauchi State governorship ahead of the 2027 elections.
The ministry confirmed his resignation on Monday through the spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
A statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the minister, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said Tuggar submitted his letter of resignation to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), ahead of the March deadline for political office holders to hand over their resignations as stipulated by the electoral act and instructed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently.
Resignation follows Presidential Directive
His exit was in compliance with a directive issued earlier in March by President Bola Tinubu requiring political appointees with electoral ambitions to step down. The directive, conveyed through the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, set March 31, 2026, as the deadline for affected officials.
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It applies to ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal assistants and heads of federal agencies.
The move is in line with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and is aimed at preventing conflicts of interest as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.
Abdulkadir said Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, received the letter on behalf of the SGF.
Tuggar is aspiring to contest for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for the 2027 election in Bauchi State.
The Ex-minister’s spokesman said Tuggar expressed his profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and to contribute to the implementation of the President’s 4D foreign policy strategy as a guiding framework for Nigeria’s foreign policy.
He added that Ambassador Tuggar also expressed his appreciation to the management and staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as members of the diplomatic community, for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure.
He further stated that Tuggar “demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives” during his time as minister.
He highlighted Tuggar’s achievements during his tenure, such as “advancing people-centred diplomacy through humanitarian evacuations, scholarship facilitation, and sustained support for Nigerians abroad, enhancing diaspora engagement, including the development of a structured Nigerians-in-Diaspora database to deepen national participation.
“It was also a time of deepening bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with key traditional partners and regional alliances, especially in the global south.
“His tenure will be remembered for promoting regional and security cooperation and the formation of the Regional Partnership for democracy RPD.
“Driving economic diplomacy by positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, particularly in the energy sector. Facilitating diplomatic resolutions that led to the release of detained Nigerians abroad and strengthened bilateral relations.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
