The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has resigned from his position to pursue his political ambition to run for governor of Bauchi State.

This was disclosed on Monday in a brief statement by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

He said, “The resignation of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs is confirmed.”

DAILY GAZETTE had previously reported that Tuggar was among four ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet expected to resign in order to pursue their political ambitions.

The Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, had earlier confirmed Tuggar’s intention to contest for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.

Abdulkadir said, “The minister is interested and aspires to run for the governorship seat of Bauchi State.”

When asked when Tuggar would resign his ministerial appointment, Abdulkadir said, “There is a timetable released by INEC that stipulates all the rules and regulations for running; he (Tuggar) will adhere to this.”

Tuggar, who hails from Udubo in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State, previously contested for the position.

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and ex-Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, has officially joined the African Democratic Congress.

The former Minister of Defence also registered with the party and received his membership card on Monday at Gidan Kwankwasiyya, Miller Road, Bompai, Kano.

Present at the event include ADC National Chairman and former Senate President, David Mark; former Sokoto State Governor, Senator Aminu Tambuwal; former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Senator Dino Melaye; and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun, among others.

DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported that Kwankwaso announced his resignation from the NNPP on Sunday, citing the need for political realignment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso said, “I wish to formally announce my resignation from the New Nigeria Peoples Party with immediate effect.”

The former governor described his exit as a difficult decision, noting his longstanding involvement with the party.

“As a committed and bona fide member of the party, this was not an easy decision to make.

However, considering the current trajectory of the nation’s political landscape, which calls for strategic realignment, I have found it necessary to identify with another political platform that offers the best opportunity to effectively change the nation,” he said.

Kwankwaso thanked the party leadership, including the National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, and other organs of the party, for their support during his time in the party.

He also acknowledged members of the Kwankwasiyya Movement and supporters for their commitment.

“We shall continue to collaborate and work together towards charting a better and more prosperous future for our dear nation,” he added.

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has announced plans to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

The party confirmed the development through its National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday.

Johnson stated that despite the defection of NNPP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, the party will remain active in upcoming elections.

“The NNPP will continue to contest elections. While we will align with the ADC at the presidential level and possibly in some national contests, we will still field candidates down the ballot,” he said.

The move comes after extensive consultations between Kwankwaso, the Kwankwasiyya movement, and top opposition figures.

Johnson confirmed that Kwankwaso officially resigned from the NNPP and joined the ADC in Kano State on Monday, explaining that the realignment aims to strengthen opposition collaboration and serve Nigerians’ interests.

Kwankwaso, a two-term former governor of Kano State, cited strategic political realignment as the reason for his switch.

“As a committed member of the NNPP, this was not an easy decision. But considering Nigeria’s current political trajectory, I must identify with a platform that offers the best opportunity to effect meaningful change,” he said.

The development follows a widening rift within the NNPP, as Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf recently defected to the APC with several lawmakers and appointees, a move Kwankwaso publicly opposed, calling it a betrayal.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has formally recognised the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party’s National Working Committee backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

The development was reflected on INEC’s official website on Monday, which published the updated leadership of the opposition party.

Key figures include Abdulrahman Mohammed as National Chairman and Senator Sam Anyanwu as National Secretary, alongside other elected members of the party’s national leadership.

Abdulrahman and Anyanwu emerged during the PDP National Convention held Sunday night at the velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja.

Members of the NWC were elected by consensus after the dissolution of the national caretaker committee.

The full list of the re-elected PDP NWC members is as follows:
Abdulrahman Mohammed — National Chairman
Aaron Chukwuemeka — Deputy National Chairman (South)
Yusufu Akirikwen — Deputy National Chairman (North)
Sam Anyanwu — National Secretary
Kolawale Olabisi — Deputy National Secretary
Odeyemi Oladiran — National Treasurer
Lado Marke — Deputy National Treasurer
Eyim Henry — National Financial Secretary
Grema Kyari — Deputy National Financial Secretary
Umar Bature — National Organising Secretary
Efere Augustine — Deputy National Organising Secretary
Jungudo Mohammed — National Publicity Secretary
Egwu Chidiebere — Deputy National Publicity Secretary
Kamaldeen Ajibade — National Legal Adviser
Aloysius Uba — Deputy National Legal Adviser
Osuoha Donatus — National Auditor
Adaba Seri Yatu — Deputy National Auditor
Ogunshe Adedayo — National Women Leader
Hauwa Shinge — Deputy National Women Leader
Ibrahim Aboki — National Youth Leader
Momoh Bashir — Deputy National Youth Leader

Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Citizenship and Leadership, Nasir Ja’oje, has resigned his appointment to contest an elective position in the 2027 general elections.

The move follows President Tinubu’s directive that all political appointees intending to run for office must resign by March 31, 2026.

Ja’oje’s resignation was confirmed in a statement by his media aide, Abba Anwar, made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Sunday.

In his resignation letter, Ja’oje thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve, highlighting the administration’s focus on youth development and the confidence placed in him to contribute to national growth.

He also reaffirmed his readiness to serve the country whenever called upon and praised the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that its policies continue to positively impact Nigerians across age groups.

“By resigning, Ja’oje is set to contest for elective office, and his supporters have expressed confidence in his leadership, pledging their backing for his political ambitions,” the statement added.

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the immediate dissolution of the State Executive Council.

The move, announced Monday by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, aims to provide space for any council member who wishes to contest elective positions in the upcoming general elections.

Governor Zulum has directed all commissioners to hand over the management of their ministries to the Permanent Secretaries by Friday, April 3, 2026.

In his remarks, Zulum expressed deep appreciation to the outgoing commissioners for their dedication, commitment, and invaluable contributions to the growth and service of the people of Borno State.

Governor Abdullahi Sule has confirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nasarawa State will adopt direct primaries to select candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement came after a marathon meeting with governorship aspirants, lawmakers, and party leaders, where consensus overwhelmingly favored a system that empowers every registered party member to have a say.

Sule described the move as a step toward inclusiveness, transparency, and internal party cohesion, noting that direct primaries give all members a voice in choosing their leaders.

Beyond the primaries, the governor emphasized the need for a shift in power to the Nasarawa West senatorial district, specifically the Keffi axis, arguing that fairness and equity require balancing leadership among the state’s three zones.

He recalled that Nasarawa South governed for over a decade and Nasarawa North currently holds the seat, leaving the West sidelined for more than 20 years.

Highlighting the importance of party unity, Sule assured aspirants that the process would be credible and transparent.

He urged all contestants to respect the outcome, warning that any defection after a fair contest would reflect an inability to accept democratic results.

The governor expressed confidence that the APC would emerge stronger and more united, positioning itself for a successful run in the 2027 elections.