Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar Joins Bauchi Governorship Race

Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has announced his plan to run in the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.

Tuggar, who stepped down from his ministerial role in March 2026, said his resignation followed a directive from Bola Tinubu, which required political appointees interested in elective positions to leave office.

Speaking during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) office in Bauchi ahead of his official declaration, Tuggar explained that he chose to first consult the party before addressing supporters publicly.

He said, “I approached the party office before moving to the declaration ground because the party is the first point of call. As directed by the President, I resigned my position on March 31.”

Tuggar urged members of the party to remain united in their efforts to regain control of the state.

He added that if he does not emerge as the party’s candidate, he would support whoever is chosen and would not challenge the outcome in court.

“My political philosophy is that whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer, I will not take my fellow party member to court. I will support and wish the person well,” he said.

During his declaration event, he said his decision to run is based on a desire to serve the people and improve living conditions in Bauchi State.

He pointed to issues such as poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare as key challenges facing the state.

Tuggar said his administration would focus on boosting the economy through agriculture, supporting small businesses, and developing the state’s mineral resources.

He also promised regular payment of workers’ salaries, better market facilities, and improved development in rural areas.

On security, he said he plans to strengthen cooperation between communities and security agencies, improve intelligence gathering, and tackle underlying issues like youth unemployment and drug abuse.

“We will ensure that no farmer fears going to the farm, no trader fears the road, and no child fears going to school,” he said.

Tuggar also pledged reforms in the education sector, including reducing the number of out-of-school children, investing in teachers, and expanding vocational training. He said young people would also benefit from increased focus on digital skills.

In the health sector, he promised accessible and affordable primary healthcare, along with support for vulnerable groups.

He further assured that his administration would promote transparency, improve the civil service, develop infrastructure, and ensure inclusive governance that considers women and minority groups.

“This is not just my ambition; it is a collective mission to move Bauchi State forward,” Tuggar said.

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