2027: Ex-minister, Tuggar, joins Bauchi guber race under APC

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has declared his intention to contest for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tuggar made the declaration on Saturday at the Games Village field in Bauchi, where he unveiled a 10-point agenda focused on economic growth, security, education, and infrastructure.

He said his decision followed compliance with a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu requiring appointees seeking elective offices to resign before March 31, 2026.

ALSO READ: NARD suspends indefinite strike after FG concessions on allowances, arrears

“This is my third time aspiring to be governor. I have the capacity to govern, and I am stepping forward not for power, but for service,” Tuggar told supporters.

The former minister pledged that if given the party’s ticket, he would lead the APC to victory in Bauchi, where the party is currently in opposition at the state level.

Outlining his agenda, Tuggar said he would prioritise agriculture and rural development by investing in farming across both rainy and dry seasons, improving livestock production, and modernising grazing corridors.

“We will move from subsistence to prosperity, making agriculture a business, not just survival,” he said.

He also promised to revitalise local markets, including Soro, Dindima, Darazo, Alkaleri, and Liman Katagum markets, noting their importance to livelihoods and regional trade.

On security, Tuggar pledged to strengthen collaboration between communities and security agencies, deploy community policing, and address root causes such as youth unemployment, poverty, and drug abuse.

“Our core message is that no farmer should fear going to the farm, no trader should fear the road, and no child should fear going to school,” he stated.

He further outlined plans to tackle out-of-school children through inclusive education policies, expand vocational training, and promote digital innovation and entrepreneurship among youths.

The aspirant also promised timely payment of salaries, improved healthcare delivery, urban development, and support for women and vulnerable groups.

He emphasised the need to harness Bauchi’s solid mineral resources for economic development, citing deposits of tin, granite, zinc, and other minerals across the state.

Tuggar called for unity within the APC, urging party members and supporters to rally behind his ambition as part of a collective effort to reposition the state.

Supporters and political groups at the event expressed confidence in his candidacy, describing him as a capable contender for the party’s ticket in the 2027 elections.