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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Ex-foreign affairs minister Tuggar joins Bauchi governorship race

From The Punch · (9h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
  • Tuggar, who resigned his ministerial position in compliance with President Tinubu's directive, pledged to unite party members and support the APC's flagbearer if he doesn't secure the ticket.
  • He outlined plans to prioritize economic growth, address insecurity, improve education and healthcare, and promote transparency and inclusive governance in Bauchi.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, has officially signaled his ambition to lead Bauchi State, declaring his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election. His move comes after resigning his ministerial portfolio in March, adhering to President Bola Tinubu's directive for political appointees seeking elective office to step down. Tuggar's visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) office in Bauchi underscores his commitment to the party structure and his intention to seek its nomination.

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.

โ€” Yusuf TuggarExplaining his adherence to presidential directives and party protocol upon declaring his governorship ambition.

Speaking to party members, Tuggar articulated a philosophy of unity and sportsmanship, stating his commitment to support whoever emerges as the APC's flagbearer, even if he does not secure the ticket himself. This stance aims to foster cohesion within the party, a crucial element for electoral success in a state like Bauchi, which faces multifaceted challenges.

My political philosophy is that whoever emerges as the partyโ€™s flag bearer, I will not take my fellow party member to court. I will support and wish the person well.

โ€” Yusuf TuggarStating his commitment to party unity and sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome of the primary election.

From the perspective of a publication like The Punch, Tuggar's declaration adds a significant dimension to the political landscape of Bauchi State. His plans, which span economic development through agriculture and SMEs, enhanced security, improved education and healthcare, and inclusive governance, address the core concerns of the electorate. His pledge to avoid intra-party litigation if he doesn't get the ticket is particularly noteworthy, signaling a potential shift towards more constructive political engagement. His aspiration is framed not just as personal ambition but as a "collective mission to move Bauchi State forward," a message that will likely resonate with voters seeking decisive and unifying leadership.

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

โ€” Yusuf TuggarPledging to improve security and create a safe environment for citizens in Bauchi State.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.