My ambition won’t divide Bauchi APC – Tuggar

The immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has said his governorship ambition will not undermine internal competition, but rather strengthen the All Progressives Congress’s chances in the state.

He stated this on Saturday while formally declaring his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.

Tuggar, who resigned his ministerial position in March 2026, said his decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees seeking elective offices to step down in line with due process.

Speaking during a visit to the APC secretariat in Bauchi ahead of his formal declaration, he emphasised party loyalty and internal cohesion as central to his ambition.

“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.

“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 formal declaration, Tuggar said his governorship bid was driven by a desire to address the state’s developmental challenges, including poverty, unemployment, insecurity and gaps in education and healthcare delivery.

The former minister pledged to build on existing governance structures while introducing reforms aimed at improving economic performance.

He said his administration would prioritise agriculture, small and medium-scale enterprises, and solid minerals development as key drivers of growth.

Tuggar also promised timely payment of salaries, improved market infrastructure, and rural development initiatives across the state.

On security, Tuggar said he would strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies, enhance intelligence gathering, and tackle underlying drivers 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.

The former minister also outlined plans to expand access to quality education by addressing out-of-school children, improving teacher welfare, and promoting vocational and digital skills training for youths.

In the health sector, he pledged affordable primary healthcare services and stronger social protection for vulnerable groups.

Tuggar added that his administration would pursue transparency in governance, civil service reforms, infrastructure development 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.