Attention has been drawn to various interpretations and misrepresentations of remarks made by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a recent interview conducted in the Hausa language.
For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks. The Minister remains a loyal supporter of the President, fully committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the APC-led administration.
The interview focused on concerns regarding internal party processes in Bauchi State and the need to uphold transparency, fairness, and internal democracy. Ambassador Tuggar’s position remains that party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidates through credible and competitive elections.
In this context, he expressed concern over what he described as efforts by another minister from Bauchi State, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to influence the outcome of the APC governorship process rather than allowing aspirants to test their popularity before party delegates. His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have been given a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest.
The Minister also noted that President Tinubu had directed all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated timeframe and maintained that any aspirant willing to contest was free to comply with that directive and seek the mandate of party members.
Ambassador Tuggar’s concerns are rooted in his desire to strengthen the APC in Bauchi State and preserve confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes. He believes that addressing grievances and ensuring fairness will promote unity and help position the party for future success.
He therefore appeals to the President and the leadership of the APC to consider the concerns raised by stakeholders and take the necessary steps to reinforce justice, inclusion, and party cohesion.
Ambassador Tuggar remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity, and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development, prosperity, and good governance for the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria.