Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position.
The resignation was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that Tuggar stepped down following a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu had earlier instructed all political appointees in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign from their positions on or before March 31.
The directive, according to the presidency, aligns with Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for political party primaries ahead of the 2027 polls.
Tuggar’s decision to step down has fuelled speculation about his interest in contesting the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tuggar, a seasoned diplomat and politician, was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs in August 2023 after the inauguration of the Tinubu administration.
Born on March 12, 1967, he has built a career spanning diplomacy, politics, energy, and strategic consulting.
Before his ministerial appointment, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany from 2017 to 2023, where he played a key role in strengthening bilateral relations and expanding trade cooperation between both countries.
His political career also includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, representing the Gamawa Federal Constituency in Bauchi State.
Tuggar has previously contested the Bauchi governorship in two election cycles.
During his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, he oversaw Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and represented the country in various international forums, advancing the government’s foreign policy priorities.