Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has officially entered the race for the Bauchi State governorship after acquiring the All Progressives Congress (APC) expression of interest and nomination forms on Wednesday. The forms, priced at N50 million, mark his formal step into the 2027 gubernatorial contest. Tuggar, who resigned from his federal appointment on March 30, 2026, did so in compliance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees to vacate their positions before seeking elective office.
In a statement to reporters following the purchase, Tuggar outlined his core campaign priorities, placing special emphasis on tackling insecurity and revitalizing the state’s economy through agriculture. He stressed that Bauchi’s vast land resources must be harnessed to support subsistence farmers and pastoralists, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the majority. “The challenge of insecurity and the need to properly utilise our farmland will be top priorities,” he said. “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.”
Tuggar also called for equitable access to land, warning against systems that concentrate resources in the hands of a few. He believes such imbalances hinder inclusive economic growth and deepen poverty. His vision includes policies that empower local communities and promote agricultural development as a key driver of economic transformation in the state.
On the APC’s primary election process, Tuggar expressed flexibility, stating he would accept either direct primaries or consensus arrangements, as long as the process is transparent and credible. “I am comfortable with whichever option the party adopts, as long as it guarantees fairness,” he added. “What matters most is producing candidates who have integrity and genuine support among the people.”
His resignation from the federal ministry paved the way for Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, to take over as Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tuggar’s entry into the governorship race adds a high-profile contender to the APC’s growing list of aspirants in Bauchi. With his experience in national governance and focus on grassroots development, Tuggar aims to bring a new direction to the state’s political landscape.
As the 2027 elections approach, Tuggar’s campaign is expected to draw significant attention, especially given his national profile and policy focus on security and agriculture. His bid underscores the increasing competition within the APC for control of Bauchi’s political future.
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