Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has announced plans to contest the Bauchi State governorship in the 2027 general election.
TheTimes Nigeria reports that Tuggar, while declaring his governorship ambition in Bauchi on Saturday, said the decision is not based on personal gain but on improving the state.
Tuggar, who once represented Gamawa in the House of Representatives, said he stepped down from President Bola Tinubu’s government in line with rules for political appointees seeking elective office.
He thanked Tinubu for the opportunity to serve as a minister, saying the role helped him better understand governance and prepared him to serve the people of Bauchi more effectively.
He said, “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.”
Tuggar further explained that his experience in business and farming gives him insight into the struggles of entrepreneurs, farmers, and herders.
According to the former Minister, his plan includes investing in farming, livestock, agro-processing, rural roads, and storage to make agriculture more profitable.
He stated, “We will support farmers with incentives and improve our weekly markets, which sustain millions of livelihoods across the state.”
Speaking on security, Tuggar pledged to address rising insecurity through community policing, dialogue, and stronger ties with traditional leaders, stressing that, “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.”
Tuggar, who previously contested the governorship but lost, said those experiences taught him resilience and the realities of elections.
He promised to build on past achievements while addressing earlier shortcomings, with a focus on agriculture, rural development, and economic growth.
