Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally entered the Bauchi State governorship race after purchasing the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists after acquiring the N50 million forms, Tuggar outlined his key agenda, identifying insecurity and economic revitalisation through agriculture as major focus areas.
He stressed that tackling insecurity and maximising the state’s agricultural potential would be central to improving the living conditions of residents.
“The challenge of insecurity and the need to properly utilise our farmland will be top priorities. Bauchi has vast land resources, and these must be structured in a way that supports subsistence farmers and pastoralists while lifting people out of poverty,” he said.
Tuggar also emphasised the need for equitable access to land, warning against a situation where resources are controlled by a few individuals to the detriment of the wider population.
On the mode of the party’s primary election, the aspirant stated that he is open to either direct primaries or a consensus arrangement, provided the process remains transparent and credible.
“I am comfortable with whichever option the party adopts, as long as it guarantees fairness. What matters most is producing candidates who have integrity and genuine support among the people,” he said.
Tuggar resigned from his ministerial position on March 30, 2026, in compliance with a directive issued by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requiring political appointees seeking elective office to step down.
Following his resignation, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was appointed to head the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, having previously served as Minister of State in the same ministry.
