Yusuf Maitama Tuggar Steps Down Ahead of Bauchi Governorship Bid

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has resigned from the Federal Executive Council to pursue his ambition of becoming governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 elections.
His resignation takes effect from March 30, 2026, in line with a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring political appointees seeking elective office to leave their positions.
Tuggar is expected to return to Bauchi State to strengthen his political support within the All Progressives Congress ahead of the governorship race.
Before joining the cabinet in August 2023, Tuggar served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany. As foreign affairs minister, he was known for promoting the country’s “4D Doctrine” centred on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
During his time in office, he pushed for greater independence in Nigeria’s foreign policy, expanded economic diplomacy through trade partnerships, and led efforts to recover stolen cultural artefacts, including the Benin Bronzes. He also introduced measures aimed at improving engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora and enhancing consular services.
The planned governorship bid will be Tuggar’s third, after previous attempts in 2011 and 2015.
The Presidency is expected to announce a new foreign affairs minister in the coming days as part of a wider cabinet reshuffle.