Tuggar Resigns as Foreign Affairs Minister, Signals Possible 2027 Bauchi Governorship
By Abiodun Folarin, Abuja
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusquf Tuggar, has officially resigned from office in compliance with a directive by President Bola Tinubu mandating cabinet members with political ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections to step down on or before March 31.
The move has intensified speculation that Tuggar is positioning to contest the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election.
Confirming the development in a statement issued on Monday, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said Tuggar expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and contribute to the administration’s 4D foreign policy framework.
The outgoing minister also appreciated 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.
During his time in office, Tuggar was credited with advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy through a range of initiatives, including promoting people-centred diplomacy via humanitarian evacuations, scholarship facilitation, and support for Nigerians in the diaspora. His tenure also saw enhanced diaspora engagement, notably through efforts to develop a structured Nigerians-in-Diaspora database to deepen national participation.
He further strengthened bilateral and multilateral relations through strategic engagements with key partners and regional alliances, particularly within the Global South. His stewardship also emphasised regional security cooperation, including the formation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), and the promotion of economic diplomacy aimed at positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for foreign investment, especially in the energy sector.
In addition, Tuggar facilitated diplomatic interventions that led to the release of detained Nigerians abroad, further bolstering the country’s bilateral relations.
He formally submitted his resignation letter to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation ahead of the March 31 deadline stipulated for political office holders seeking elective positions. The letter was received on behalf of the office by Dr. Abubakar Kana, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office.
