Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, immediate past Minister of Foreign Affairs, has lost the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket for Bauchi State in the 2027 election to former Governor Mohammed Abubakar. The APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primaries Committee, led by AIG John Abang (rtd), announced the results on Saturday morning, confirming Abubakar as the party’s flagbearer. Tuggar, who resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet on March 30 to focus on his political ambition, was defeated by a significant margin in the primary election. The announcement marked the end of Tuggar’s bid to return to frontline politics in Bauchi State after his tenure in the federal government.
Abang, the chairman of the primaries committee, declared Abubakar the winner after a closely monitored and transparent process. He stated that Abubakar secured 57,517 votes, the highest among all candidates. Tuggar, who had been considered a strong contender due to his national profile and experience, received 26,001 votes. The result underscored the preference of APC delegates for a candidate with established local political experience, particularly someone who has previously held the office of governor.
Other aspirants in the race also received varying degrees of support. Nura Manu Soro polled 13,638 votes, while Bala Maijama’a A. Wunti garnered 13,648 votes, placing him just ahead of Soro. Kabir Baba Ma’aji secured 8,157 votes, Baba Abubakar Suleiman received 7,688 votes, and Yakubu Yakubu Abdullahi got 7,181 votes. The vote distribution reflects a competitive race with multiple candidates vying for the party’s endorsement, but Abubakar’s lead was decisive.
The primary election was conducted across Bauchi State’s constituencies, with party delegates casting their ballots in accordance with APC’s electoral guidelines. The process was overseen by party officials and observers to ensure fairness and credibility. Tuggar’s campaign had focused on his national experience and vision for development, but Abubakar’s deep roots in Bauchi politics and previous governance record proved more persuasive to party members.
As the APC prepares for the 2027 general elections, Abubakar’s victory positions him as the party’s standard-bearer in Bauchi State. His campaign will now focus on consolidating support across the state and building a strong coalition ahead of the next gubernatorial election. The outcome also signals a shift in the state’s political dynamics, with experience and local connection taking precedence over national exposure in the party’s selection process.
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