Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from his position to pursue a new political role ahead of the 2027 elections

 Key details

• Tuggar submitted his resignation on 31 March 2026 to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. (Premium Times Nigeria)
• His resignation was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson shortly afterward. (Punch Newspapers)
• The move comes because Tuggar plans to run for governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 Nigerian elections. (guardian.ng)

Why he had to resign

President Tinubu reportedly directed all ministers and political appointees who want to contest elections in 2027 to resign by March 31, 2026. (Africanews)
This rule is intended to prevent government officials from using their positions while campaigning.

Tuggar’s political background

• Became Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister in August 2023 under President Tinubu. (Wikipedia)
• Previously served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany (2017–2023). (Wikipedia)
• Earlier in his career, he was a member of the House of Representatives for Bauchi State (2007–2011). (Wikipedia)

What happens next

• Tuggar is expected to formally declare his governorship candidacy in Bauchi State under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). (Peoples Gazette Nigeria)
• Nigeria’s government will need to appoint a replacement foreign minister to maintain diplomatic and foreign policy operations.

✅ In short: Tuggar resigned not due to scandal but to seek an elected political position (Bauchi State governor) in the 2027 elections.

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