The immediate past minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has formally entered the race for the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State, insisting his bid will deepen internal competition within the All Progressives Congress rather than weaken it.
Speaking on Saturday during his declaration in Bauchi, Tuggar framed his ambition as both a test of party cohesion and a platform for policy renewal, following his resignation from the federal cabinet in March. The move, he said, was in compliance with a directive by President Bola Tinubu requiring political appointees seeking elective office to step down.
In a calculated nod to party discipline, Tuggar first visited the APC secretariat before proceeding to the declaration venue — a gesture he described as symbolic of his loyalty to party structures. “The party is the first point of call,” he said, adding that he would not challenge the outcome of any primary contest in court.
“My political philosophy is that whoever emerges as the party’s flag bearer, I will support and wish the person well,” he said, in remarks that appeared aimed at tempering the factional disputes that have trailed primaries in previous election cycles.
Tuggar cast his candidacy as a response to what he described as Bauchi’s persistent development gaps, pointing to poverty, unemployment, insecurity and weaknesses in education and healthcare systems. He pledged continuity with existing governance frameworks, while promising reforms to stimulate economic growth.
Agriculture, small and medium-sized enterprises, and solid minerals development would form the backbone of his economic agenda, he said, alongside commitments to regular salary payments, improved market infrastructure and rural development.
On security, the former minister proposed a mix of community-based collaboration and institutional reform, with an emphasis on intelligence gathering and tackling root causes such as 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.
His plans for education include reducing the number of out-of-school children, improving teacher welfare and expanding vocational and digital skills training. In healthcare, he promised to prioritise affordable primary care and expand social protection for vulnerable groups.
Tuggar also pledged a governance model anchored on transparency, civil service reform and inclusive policies targeting women and minority communities. “This is not just my ambition; it is a collective mission to move Bauchi state forward,” he said.
