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From Paul Orude, Bauchi
The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally declared his intention to contest the governorship of Bauchi State in the 2027 general election.
Tuggar expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing him as a minister, stating that the role had further exposed him to the challenges of governance and provided him with broader experience to better serve the people of Bauchi.
The former minister, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2007 to represent Gamawa on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), confirmed that he has complied with directives requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to resign.
Declaring his ambition, Tuggar—who contested the governorship seat on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011 but lost to the then People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate—stated that he is entering the race not for personal privilege but to bring progress and prosperity to Bauchi State.
“Our state stands at a crossroads. Despite our abundant resources, many people remain poor and lack access to quality education and healthcare. This must change,” he said.
He noted that his background in business and farming has prepared him for leadership, adding that he understands the struggles of entrepreneurs, farmers, and livestock owners.
Tuggar, who previously sought the governorship seat in 2015 but lost the primary to Mohammed Abubakar, also noted that his years in opposition politics taught him resilience and the reality of electoral defeat. He added that he appreciates the critical importance of the prompt payment of workers’ salaries.
Tuggar pledged to build on the achievements of past leaders while correcting previous mistakes. He identified agriculture, rural development, and economic growth as the top priorities of his administration, if elected.
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He promised to invest in farming, livestock production, agro-processing, rural roads, and storage systems, to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a profitable business venture.
“We will support farmers with incentives and improve our weekly markets, which sustain millions of livelihoods across the state,” he said.
Regarding security, Tuggar expressed concern over rising insecurity and promised to tackle the problem through community policing, dialogue, and stronger collaboration with traditional institutions.
“No farmer should fear going to the farm, no business person should fear travelling on our roads, and no child should be afraid to go to school,” he stated.
He also promised opportunities for the youth through education reform, digital learning, entrepreneurship support, and technology hubs, noting that many young people are keen on innovation and the digital economy.
On healthcare, Tuggar pledged to improve maternal and child healthcare, expand social protection for vulnerable groups, and strengthen public hospitals.
Furthermore, he promised reforms in governance and the civil service, including housing support for workers, anti-corruption measures based on fairness and accountability, and the promotion of religious harmony and social cohesion.
The governorship hopeful also promised urban renewal, the expansion of clean energy, women’s empowerment, the protection of minority rights, and the development of the state’s solid mineral resources for the benefit of all citizens.
“This is not just my ambition; it is our collective vision for a better Bauchi State,” Tuggar declared.
