As Nigeria’s political landscape gradually shifts ahead of the 2026/2027 electoral cycle, indications emerged yesterday that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, is taking the gauntlet ahead of other members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) nursing political ambition to step down in line with presidential directives on political participation.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier directed all ministers and political appointees with ambitions to contest elective offices in the coming general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026. The directive, conveyed through a circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aligns with provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.

Against this backdrop, Tuggar is expected to resign his position today to immediately throw his hat in the Bauchi State governorship ring.

This is coming at a time members of the Tinubu’s cabinet nursing political ambitions have lately developed cold feet at resigning their position due to the President’s non-committal stance to openly endorsing any candidate. The expected endorsement by the President is not forthcoming, coupled with the adoption of consensus by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in place of the customary delegates’ primaries.

Recall that many ministers in the late President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, who sought to succeed him in office, got an audience with the then-President before proceeding to make their political aspirations public. It was, however, gathered that Tinubu dissuaded his ministers from seeking or banking on his private or public endorsement, and had rather directed those interested in vying for offices to go and test their popularity on the field in their various states.

Multiple authoritative sources within political and party circles informed The Guardian yesterday that Tuggar’s resignation would happen as early as today, barring any last-minute changes. His anticipated entry into the race is already generating significant interest among stakeholders within Bauchi and beyond.

The development follows the recent APC National Convention, where most members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were returned unopposed. Observers note that the convention also served as a convergence point for political actors positioning themselves ahead of the electoral season, with heightened speculation around cabinet members believed to be nursing political ambitions.

Supporters of the minister from Bauchi, who were part of the APC convention delegation, have expressed strong confidence that a formal declaration of his gubernatorial bid is imminent. This growing momentum signals what could become a highly competitive and closely watched contest in the state.

Tuggar’s public service record spans legislative and diplomatic roles. He served as a member of the House of Representatives representing Gamawa Federal Constituency from 2007 to 2011, and later as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany between 2017 and 2023 under Buhari. He has held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs since 2023.

Political analysts argue that his governance approach; widely seen as policy-driven and less populist; may resonate with a segment of the electorate seeking experienced and technocratic leadership.

According to a close aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Tuggar’s profile, anchored on public service experience and perceived integrity, positions him as a formidable contender in the upcoming race.

“His entry into the Bauchi governorship race is expected to reshape the political landscape, particularly at a time conversations around leadership are increasingly focused on competence, credibility, and the ability to deliver measurable development outcomes,” the aide noted.

As the resignation deadline approaches, attention is expected to shift to how other political appointees align with the directive, as well as the broader implications for governance continuity and political stability.

With early alignments already taking shape, the 2027 governorship race in Bauchi is emerging as a critical contest that could redefine the state’s political trajectory. (Guardian)

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