The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State, saying the state must take urgent steps to overcome its economic and security challenges.
Speaking on Saturday in Bauchi while addressing supporters and political stakeholders, Tuggar said the state stands at a critical turning point that demands fresh thinking and purposeful leadership.
“Our state stands at a crossroads. We are rich in history, culture, and human potential, yet many of our people continue to face poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare. This must change,” he said.
He described his ambition as a call to service rather than a pursuit of power, adding that he intends to build on existing foundations while correcting past shortcomings.
“I am stepping forward not for power but for service, not for privilege but for progress. Past leaders have done their part, and we appreciate them. I intend to build on their legacies and address the gaps where they exist,” he added.
Tuggar, who recently resigned his ministerial position to focus on his governorship bid under the All Progressives Congress (APC), said his administration would prioritise economic transformation, particularly in agriculture and rural development.
According to him, agriculture remains central to his vision for Bauchi’s growth, with plans to shift the sector from subsistence farming to a more commercially driven model.
“We will invest in both rainy-season and dry-season farming, support livestock production, and modernise grazing and transhumance corridors. Women and young people will be central to this agricultural transformation,” he said.
He also outlined plans to strengthen agro-processing and expand value chains in order to create jobs and increase household incomes across the state.
Tuggar added that his administration would prioritise timely payment of workers’ salaries, revitalisation of local markets, and targeted support for farmers and small businesses as part of efforts to stimulate the local economy.
“Our goal is clear: to move Bauchi from subsistence to prosperity, where agriculture is treated as a business and not just a means of survival,” he said.
On security, the former diplomat acknowledged that Bauchi remains relatively stable compared to some neighbouring states but warned that emerging threats must not be ignored.
He proposed a community-based security strategy involving traditional institutions, local communities, and formal security agencies working in closer coordination.
“We will strengthen community policing, deepen dialogue, and work closely with traditional institutions and security agencies to maintain peace and stability,” he said.
Tuggar, who previously served in the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, said his experience in public service and diplomacy has prepared him for the task ahead, stressing that his campaign would be anchored on practical solutions rather than rhetoric.
