JUST IN: “Why Bauchi Will Be Different This Time” — Tuggar Signals Tough APC Primary Battle, Declares Readiness for 2027
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has declared that the 2027 Bauchi governorship race will be different from his previous attempts, insisting that the political landscape, electoral laws, and realities within the APC have all changed in ways that now favour experienced grassroots politicians.
Speaking after his screening by the APC panel, Tuggar described the exercise as smooth and routine, citing his long political history within the progressive family dating back to the ANPP and CPC before the formation of the APC.
The former House of Representatives member, ex-Ambassador to Germany, and current Foreign Affairs Minister said his political credentials and years of service to the party made the screening straightforward.
But beyond the screening, Tuggar delivered what may be his strongest political message yet — warning that Bauchi APC may be heading for a fierce primary battle rather than a consensus arrangement.
According to him, the sudden rush by aspirants to obtain nomination forms just before screening raises serious questions about the intentions of some contestants. He urged the APC leadership to carefully distinguish between genuine party loyalists and political opportunists allegedly entering the race only to later step down for preferred candidates.
Tuggar stressed that the party must avoid “fraudulent or untoward practices” capable of undermining internal democracy.
In what appeared to be a direct appeal to party stakeholders and the presidency, he argued that the APC must choose candidates with proven grassroots structures and the capacity to deliver both the governorship and presidential votes in 2027.
Reflecting on his earlier governorship contests, Tuggar said 2011 was fought against a sitting governor seeking re-election, while the APC in 2015 was still in its formative stage and weakened by last-minute defections from rival parties.
“This time is different,” he declared, noting that current electoral laws have reduced political manipulation and opportunistic party switching.
On why he remains determined to govern Bauchi after multiple attempts, Tuggar gave a deeply personal answer centered on education and nation-building.
He said Nigeria gave him access to a world-class educational system that shaped his life and career, and that history would judge him harshly if he failed to contribute to rebuilding the country at the state and local government levels.
Describing dysfunctional states and local governments as “the Achilles heel” of Nigeria’s development, Tuggar said fixing education, tackling insecurity, and reducing the number of out-of-school children remain central to his mission.
In one of the most emotional moments of the interview, he lamented the decline in educational standards, saying many graduates today struggle with communication because they no longer enjoy the quality of schooling once available in Nigeria.
For Tuggar, the race for Bauchi Government House is no longer just political ambition — it is, according to him, a mission to restore governance, education, and opportunity.
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