Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar tops the list of public officials who resigned yesterday to pursue their political aspirations in next year’s elections.
More resignations are likely today at the federal level, as the deadline given by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointees to step down if they are interested in running for political office has arrived.
It was gathered yesterday that some ministers linked to governorship races in their states might have developed cold feet, leading them to quietly forgo their ambitions.
Chairman of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, also resigned his position yesterday and left the All Progressives Congress (APC).
While Tuggar is interested in becoming Bauchi State governor, Gawuna, the APC candidate who narrowly lost to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf in the 2023 election, is linked with a return to the political ring in the North’s most populous state.
The resignations also swept through states where governors directed those interested in contesting elections to step down. Commissioners, chairmen and chief executives of boards have resigned.
In a post on his verified X handle, Tuggar said: “Today, I formally submitted my resignation letter as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the provisions of the Electoral Act.
“This moment marks the close of a significant chapter of service, focused on strengthening Nigeria’s global partnerships, deepening diplomatic engagement, and delivering a people-centred approach to foreign policy.
“I express my sincere appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust and opportunity to serve under the Renewed Hope Agenda, and to contribute to advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy through the 4D Doctrine.
