The immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
Tuggar, who resigned from his ministerial position in March 2026, said his decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to step down.
Speaking on Saturday during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat in Bauchi ahead of his formal declaration, Tuggar said he first engaged with party officials in line with protocol.
“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,” he said.
He called for unity within the party, urging members to work together to secure victory in the 2027 elections. Tuggar also pledged to support whoever emerges as the party’s governorship candidate if he does not win the ticket.
“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.
At his official declaration, Tuggar said his ambition was driven by a desire to improve governance and address developmental challenges in Bauchi State, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and gaps in education and healthcare.
He pledged to build on existing achievements while introducing reforms aimed at economic growth, particularly through agriculture, support for small and medium enterprises, and development of the solid minerals sector.
He also promised timely payment of salaries, improved market infrastructure, and expanded rural development initiatives.
On security, Tuggar said his administration would strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies, invest in intelligence gathering, and address root causes of insecurity 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.
Tuggar pledged to reduce the number of out-of-school children, invest in teacher training, expand vocational education, and promote digital innovation among young people.
In the health sector, he promised accessible and affordable primary healthcare services, as well as stronger social protection for vulnerable groups.
He also outlined plans for civil service reform, infrastructure development, transparent governance, and inclusive leadership with special attention to women and minority communities.
“This is not just my ambition; it is a collective mission to move Bauchi State forward,” he said.
