Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has announced he will run for governor of Bauchi State in the 2027 general election.
He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister, saying the role helped him understand governance better and prepared him to serve the people of Bauchi more effectively.
Tuggar, who once represented Gamawa in the House of Representatives, said he has stepped down from his government position in line with rules for political appointees seeking elective office.
Announcing his ambition, he said he is not running for personal gain but to improve the state.
“Our state stands at a crossroads. Despite our abundant resources, many people remain poor and lack access to quality education and healthcare. This must change,” he said.
He explained that his experience in business and farming gives him insight into the struggles of entrepreneurs, farmers, and herders.
Tuggar, who previously contested the governorship but lost, said those experiences taught him resilience and the realities of elections. He also stressed the importance of paying workers’ salaries on time.
He promised to build on past achievements while addressing earlier shortcomings, with a focus on agriculture, rural development, and economic growth.
He said his plan includes investing in farming, livestock, agro-processing, rural roads, and storage to make agriculture more profitable.
“We will support farmers with incentives and improve our weekly markets, which sustain millions of livelihoods across the state,” he said.
On security, Tuggar pledged to address rising insecurity through community policing, dialogue, and stronger ties with traditional leaders.
“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 stated.