Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has formally announced his intention to contest the Bauchi State governorship in Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Speaking on his decision, Tuggar said his time in the federal cabinet, following his appointment by President Bola Tinubu, had deepened his understanding of governance and national challenges, equipping him to better serve the people of Bauchi State.
He confirmed that he has resigned from his ministerial position in line with regulations requiring political appointees seeking elective office to step aside.
Tuggar, who entered the House of Representatives in 2007 representing Gamawa on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), recalled his earlier attempts at the governorship.
He first contested in 2011 under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), losing to a candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and later sought the ticket again in 2015, when he was defeated in the primaries.
According to him, those experiences in opposition politics built resilience and a realistic understanding of electoral competition.
He stressed that his renewed ambition is driven by a desire to improve living standards rather than personal gain.
“Our state stands at a crossroads. Despite our abundant resources, too many people remain poor and without access to quality education and healthcare. This must change,” Tuggar said.
He argued that his background in business and farming has given him firsthand insight into the challenges facing entrepreneurs, crop farmers and livestock owners, as well as the importance of paying workers’ salaries promptly.
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Outlining his priorities, Tuggar said his administration would focus on agriculture, rural development and economic growth.
He pledged investment in farming, livestock production, agro-processing, rural roads and storage facilities to move agriculture from subsistence to profitability.
“We will support farmers with incentives and strengthen our weekly markets, which sustain millions of livelihoods across the state,” he said.
On security, he lamented over rising insecurity and promised a mix of community policing, dialogue and closer cooperation with traditional institutions.
“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,” he added.
Tuggar also outlined plans for youth development through education reform, digital learning, entrepreneurship support and technology hubs, noting growing interest among young people in innovation and the digital economy.
In healthcare, he pledged to improve maternal and child services, expand social protection for vulnerable groups and strengthen public hospitals.
Further commitments included civil service reforms, housing support for workers, anti-corruption measures anchored on accountability, promotion of religious harmony, urban renewal, clean energy expansion, women’s empowerment, minority rights protection and responsible development of solid minerals.
“This is not just my ambition. It is our collective vision for a better Bauchi State,” Tuggar said.