Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has dismissed claims that he criticised President Bola Tinubu over the APC governorship primary process in Bauchi State, describing the reports as false and misleading.
Tuggar Clarifies Remarks on APC Primary
Tuggar made the clarification following reactions to a recent interview he granted in Hausa. He insisted that party members should freely choose their candidates through credible and competitive elections.
However, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the former minister said some people had wrongly interpreted his comments.
“Our 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,” the statement said.
Furthermore, Abdulkadir stressed that Tuggar never criticised or questioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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 statement added.
Consequently, the statement reaffirmed Tuggar’s loyalty to the President and his support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the APC-led administration.
Focus Was Bauchi APC Internal Process
Meanwhile, the statement explained that the interview focused on concerns surrounding internal party activities in Bauchi State.
According to Abdulkadir, Tuggar raised concerns about transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the APC governorship process.
Furthermore, he expressed concern over alleged efforts by another minister from Bauchi State, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to influence the governorship selection 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,” Abdulkadir said.
Call for Fairness and Party Unity
In response, the statement noted that President Tinubu had already directed political appointees seeking elective positions to resign within the stipulated timeframe.
Furthermore, it stated that any aspirant interested in contesting remained free to comply with the directive and seek the support of party members.
Consequently, Abdulkadir said Tuggar’s position was driven by a desire to strengthen the APC in Bauchi State and protect confidence in the party’s internal democratic process.
He added that the former minister believes fairness and proper handling of grievances will promote unity and improve the party’s chances in future elections.
Meanwhile, the statement appealed to President Tinubu and APC leaders to consider the concerns raised by stakeholders and take steps to strengthen justice, inclusion, and cohesion within the party.
Furthermore, it reiterated that Tuggar remains committed to President Tinubu, party unity, and policies that support development, prosperity, and good governance in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.
