Following his resignation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is anticipated to run for governor of Bauchi State in 2027.
Tuggar reportedly filed his resignation letter on Monday at noon, in accordance with a presidential order mandating that political appointees running for elective office quit before the deadline of March 31, 2026.
According to those with knowledge of the situation, the action is calculated and puts the former minister in a position to run on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
Shortly after midday, Tuggar sent the president his letter of resignation. According to a source, he plans to run for governor of Bauchi in 2027.
In Bauchi State, where race for the governorship seat is already heating up among major candidates, his planned participation is predicted to rebalance political forces.
Following an order given earlier in March, Tuggar’s departure coincides with a larger wave of anticipated resignations within President Tinubu’s cabinet.
All political appointees with aspirations to run for office are required to leave by March 31, 2026, at the latest, according to an order issued through the office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The decision is in line with both the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) schedule for party primaries prior to the 2027 general elections and Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026.
It covers a wide range of people, such as directors general, top executives of federal agencies and parastatals, ministers, ministers of state, special advisers, senior special assistants, personal assistants, and special assistants.
In Bauchi, where several candidates are already vying for the party’s ticket, Tuggar’s bid for governor is anticipated to increase rivalry inside the APC.
According to a state source, his status as a career diplomat and serving minister may provide a strategic advantage, especially in terms of political connections and national visibility.
More resignations are expected when appointees meet the conditions to take part in the election cycle, with less than 24 hours until the presidential deadline.
