Yusuf Tuggar declares Bauchi governorship bid, decries poverty, unemployment

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has declared his intention to run for governor of Bauchi State in 2027, warning that widespread poverty and unemployment persist despite the state’s resources.

Speaking in Bauchi on Saturday, Tuggar said the state is at a “crossroads,” citing challenges including joblessness, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare.

“Our state is rich in potential, yet many people continue to face poverty and hardship. This must change,” he said, framing his candidacy as a push for “service and progress.”

Tuggar outlined an economic agenda centred on agriculture, positioning it as a pathway to increased household income and broader economic growth. He said his plan includes expanding farming across both rainy and dry seasons, promoting livestock rearing, especially among women and youths, and modernising grazing routes and forest reserves.

According to him, the goal is to transform agriculture from a subsistence activity into a commercial engine that can drive prosperity.

He also pledged to support agro-processing industries, improve local markets, and ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries, measures he said would strengthen the state’s economic base and create jobs.

Security, governance plans

On security, Tuggar acknowledged that while Bauchi is relatively stable compared to some neighbouring states, insecurity is rising. He proposed a mix of community policing, dialogue, and stronger collaboration with traditional institutions and security agencies.

He added that his administration would build on the achievements of past leaders while addressing governance gaps.

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Political background

Tuggar, who served as Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, resigned from the role in March 2026 to pursue his governorship ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Congress.

He previously represented the Gamawa constituency in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011.

His entry into the race signals an early buildup to the 2027 elections, with economic hardship and governance expected to dominate campaign narratives, not just in Bauchi but across Nigeria.