Bauchi, Bauchi State, NIGERIA — The former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has officially declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State.
Speaking in the state capital on Saturday, the former envoy described the state as being at a “crossroads,” lamenting that despite its vast human and natural potential, many residents continue to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and poor healthcare access.
Tuggar, who resigned his ministerial position on March 30 to pursue this ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated that his decision to step forward was driven by a desire for service rather than power.
Okay News reports that the former minister intends to build on the legacies of past leaders while correcting previous mistakes to move the state from “subsistence to prosperity.”
Central to Tuggar’s blueprint is a transformation of the agricultural sector. He pledged to invest state resources in modernizing farming for both rainy and dry seasons, supporting agro-processing industries to create jobs, and improving transhumance corridors and forest reserves.
“We will move from subsistence to prosperity, making agriculture a business, not just survival,” Tuggar declared, noting that his team has already developed a comprehensive economic blueprint for both agriculture and solid minerals.
Addressing the deteriorating security situation in the region, the former member of the House of Representatives proposed a strategy rooted in community policing and the strengthening of traditional institutions. He also emphasized the importance of timely salary payments and the revitalization of local markets to boost the purchasing power of families. Having served as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany and as a federal lawmaker, Tuggar enters the race with significant diplomatic and legislative experience.
While acknowledging that the state currently enjoys relative peace compared to some of its neighbors, Tuggar warned that security is declining and requires urgent, collaborative action between security agencies and local communities to safeguard the state’s economic future.
