…Promises Economic Revival
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally declared his intention to contest the Bauchi State governorship in the 2027 general election, positioning himself as a reform-driven candidate focused on economic revitalisation, security, and social welfare.
Tuggar, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Gamawa Federal Constituency after his 2007 election on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), made the declaration in Bauchi amid a surge of enthusiasm from supporters, particularly youths, who turned out in large numbers to welcome him upon his arrival.
His entry into the race follows what many supporters describe as sustained public appeals urging him to run, driven by growing dissatisfaction over insecurity, delayed salary payments, limited infrastructure, and what critics have characterised as weak governance under the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
Speaking during a visit to the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat, Tuggar expressed appreciation for the welcome he received, and framed his ambition as a response to public demand rather than personal pursuit. “Politics is not about hostility or personal battles,” he said. “It is about service and offering solutions. We are stepping forward to work for Bauchi State and address the challenges facing our people”.
Tuggar, who resigned his ministerial position in March 2026 to pursue his governorship ambition under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his experience in public service, business and agriculture has equipped him with a practical understanding of the state’s economic realities.
He identified agriculture, livestock development, and rural infrastructure as central pillars of his agenda, pledging to boost productivity through support for farmers, expansion of agro-processing, and improved access to markets and storage facilities. He also promised to strengthen local markets, describing them as critical to livelihoods and grassroots economic activity.
On security, Tuggar proposed a community-based approach that leverages traditional institutions, dialogue, and collaboration to address rising threats, including ensuring safer learning environments for schools. He further outlined plans to prioritise youth empowerment through education reforms, digital skills development, entrepreneurship support, and the establishment of technology hubs aimed at fostering innovation and employment.
In the health sector, the APC aspirant pledged to improve maternal and child healthcare, upgrade public hospitals, and expand social protection programmes for vulnerable populations. Addressing labour concerns, Tuggar emphasised the importance of regular and timely salary payments, a key issue that has fuelled discontent among workers in the state.
He also acknowledged the role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his political journey, noting that his ministerial appointment provided him with deeper insight into governance and strengthened his resolve to serve Bauchi State more effectively.
Tuggar, who previously contested the governorship in 2011 on the platform of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and again sought the ticket in 2015, said his years in opposition politics have sharpened his resilience and broadened his perspective on leadership.
Among his supporters, optimism about his candidacy is already building. Many believe his combination of political experience and private-sector background offers a credible alternative as the state approaches a crucial electoral cycle.
As one popular refrain among his backers puts it: “Having seen and heard, it’s Tuggar in 2027, Insha Allah”.
