As the 2027 elections draw near, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is being considered as a potential governorship contender in Bauchi State. Though he brings national and international experience, some observers argue that the 58-year old diplomat lacks strong local ties and grassroots support. With other aspirants gaining ground, Tuggar could face an uphill task in a race that’s already heating up. DAVID ADENUGA reports.
Several politicians in Bauchi are already showing interest in the 2027 governorship contest—some publicly, others quietly. Among those testing the waters behind the scenes is Tuggar. He is not new to Bauchi politics and remains a possible contender, although it’s still unclear if he’ll join the race once the political tempo increases.
Tuggar is no stranger to ambition. He previously ran for governor under the now-defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC. He was also a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, representing Gamawa from 2007 to 2011, and made two attempts to run for Governor of Bauchi State.
He once ran against former Governor Isa Yuguda in the 2011 governorship election. Yuguda, then his political mentor, won convincingly with 771,503 votes. Tuggar, representing CPC, came second with 238,462 votes.
Despite his political history, insiders believe Tuggar who hails from Gamawa Local Government Area may face major hurdles. First, some perceive him as difficult to work with. Second, they say he’s disconnected from the grassroots.
Some political analyst in the state says that he rarely visits Bauchi outside election seasons and has little engagement with locals or fellow politicians.
His strained relationship with Governor Bala Mohammed is also believed to have complicated things. Though Bala is in the opposition party, the People Democratic Party, PDP, he controls the state’s machinery and commands loyalty.
“Tuggar will struggle in a PDP-controlled Bauchi,” one political analyst who spoke anonymously noted.
Both Tuggar and Bala Mohammed began their political journey in 2007 under Yuguda’s mentorship. They later joined different parties but remained friendly and respectful. Bala rose to national prominence for his role in helping Goodluck Jonathan become president during a constitutional crisis as a Senator then. Tuggar aligned with Buhari and contested for governor.
However, their relationship soured recently when Bala began criticizing President Tinubu’s government, especially on tax issues. Tuggar, a minister under Tinubu, fired back, accusing Bala of using federal failures to mask his shortcomings. Bala’s government dismissed Tuggar’s reaction as political noise.
The rift peaked at a wedding attended by high-profile guests, including the Vice President. Bala reportedly confronted Tuggar on the way there, leading to a public spat between the duo.
The Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau allegedly had to be restrained from physically attacking Tuggar. Afterwards, the minister refused to return to Government House with the group.
Sources say the clash was about campaign visibility. Bala accused Tuggar of starting campaigns too early. Tuggar, in turn, questioned Bala’s constant political activities.
Despite once supporting Bala, it’s believed that Tuggar may not receive the same backing now, making Bala a key obstacle in his path.
Within the All Progressive Congress,APC , Tuggar is also expected to face strong rivals like Senator Shehu Buba representing Bauchi South district and Health Minister Prof. Ali Pate. Pate is believed to have major support, including from President Tinubu, and backing from global figures like Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote. These connections could boost his chances of securing the party ticket.
Though Tuggar has more experience than Pate, many see Pate as friendlier and more popular with the people. Tuggar is viewed as distant, and lacking the kind of network-building necessary for electoral success.
There are also insinuations in some quarters that Governor Bala is mending ties with the Tinubu administration, possibly to avoid post-tenure political risks.
There are even speculations that he might defect to the APC. If Bala supports Pate, Tuggar could find himself isolated, despite his earlier start in politics.
“Tuggar’s political struggle boils down to two issues,” one observer said. “He’s seen as inflexible, unwilling to compromise or listen. And he’s not close to the people. He rarely visits or connects with grassroots politicians except during elections.”
The source continued: “As long as Bala is governor, Tuggar will have a tough time. The state’s political structure and security apparatus are under Bala’s control. With such influence, it won’t be easy for Tuggar to push his ambition.”
“In addition to this, competition within the APC is stiff. Senator Buba and Prof. Pate are strong contenders. Pate, especially, is said to be Tinubu’s preferred candidate. His ties to international leaders, and Tinubu’s recent honour to Bill Gates, suggest he is being groomed for a bigger role.”
“There is speculation that Governor Bala may switch to APC under pressure or to avoid future persecution. If he defects and backs Pate, it could further weaken Tuggar’s position. In Nigerian politics, party shifts are common, and loyalty is often fluid.”
“While Bauchi Central has never produced a governor, Pate may change that. He has the funds, federal backing, and international connections. However, he must spend wisely and build strong local support. Money alone won’t win an election—it must be used strategically.”
“In Nigeria, politics is driven by money and relationships. Tuggar may have the experience, but without public goodwill and grassroots backing, he could struggle. Unless he changes his strategy and builds alliances, 2027 may be a steep climb.”
“Though Tuggar entered politics before Pate and holds more experience, his image and people skills are lacking,” said another political analyst.
“In politics, connection with people is vital. If you appear cold or unapproachable, your expertise won’t help.”
Some say Tuggar has not leveraged his national positions to benefit Bauchi. Despite his status, he hasn’t attracted investments or jobs to his hometown, Gamawa. Critics point out the absence of federal job placements or empowerment programmes tied to his name.
“One of Tuggar’s key advantages is his past as a lawmaker,” one source said. “He comes from a political family and has potential. But political power is about using your position to help others. You must show results that positively affect your community.”
Critics argue that Tuggar has failed to build a visible political base or help strengthen the APC in Bauchi. His detachment raises concerns that if the party gives the ticket based on wealth instead of public appeal, it could lose the election.
“As a senior cabinet member for nearly two years, he hasn’t made a major impact. Nigeria’s foreign policy hasn’t improved significantly under him. Instead, we’ve seen strained relations, especially with the Niger Republic.” a source said.
“He hasn’t invested in his political future either. No empowerment programs. No support for those who could back him. And no real effort to grow the APC in Bauchi, which badly needs a revival to remain relevant.”
“Interestingly, others with lower positions have done more for their communities. Many now believe buying delegates may not work this time. The APC must choose a candidate who can win beyond the primaries—a truly marketable option.” he added.
“If the APC allows money to influence its choice and gives the ticket to Tuggar, it might cost them the election,” the source concluded.
However, a loyalist to the Minister ,Bala Juwara, commended Tuggar’s political track record, describing him as well-suited for the role due to his distinguished service as a former member of the House of Representatives, Ambassador, and currently a minister.
“We are confident in Tuggar’s capacity to lead. He has served all segments of Bauchi State commendably, even though he hails from the North Senatorial Zone,” Juwara said, urging members to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts.
Similarly, Former Bogoro local government chairperson Hon. Simon Taimako also endorsed Tuggar, applauding the group’s commitment to unity and inclusion and expressing confidence in Tuggar’s qualifications and leadership qualities.
He reiterated the need for power rotation and described Tuggar as a unifying figure with broad support across the state.
“We are convinced Ambassador Tuggar is the most qualified to lead Bauchi State in 2027. His political pedigree is unmatched,” Taimako concluded.
