Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has stepped down from his role in the cabinet of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, signaling his intention to run for the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.

The development was officially confirmed on Monday by the Ministry through its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. According to available information, Tuggar handed in his resignation letter to the President shortly after midday and is expected to seek the governorship ticket under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

His exit from office is connected to a directive earlier issued by the presidency in March. The instruction, relayed through the office of George Akume, mandated all political appointees with ambitions to contest in upcoming elections to vacate their positions on or before March 31, 2026.

The order affects a wide category of government officials, including ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, personal aides, as well as heads of federal agencies. It aligns with provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 Section 88(1), and is intended to eliminate potential conflicts of interest as the country begins preparations for the 2027 general elections.