Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has shed light on the recent controversy surrounding an altercation between him and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed as well as his deputy, Muhammad Auwal Jatau.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 19 during a bus ride transporting dignitaries from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace for a public function. In the vehicle were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister Tuggar, Governor Mohammed, his deputy Jatau, and other officials.
Reports had circulated claiming that Deputy Governor Jatau physically assaulted Tuggar after the minister allegedly made derogatory comments about the governor. Jatau has since denied the claims.
However, speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa on Thursday, Tuggar offered his version of events. He claimed that Governor Mohammed, unprovoked, verbally attacked him during the journey.
“While I was talking with the Vice President, Governor Bala Mohammed suddenly interjected, insulted my late father—who died over 20 years ago—and even threatened to slap me,” Tuggar said.
“I stood up, and I think my height startled him. How could he even contemplate hitting me?”
Tuggar added that Deputy Governor Jatau moved toward him during the heated exchange, but was restrained by security officers from Abuja and the presence of Vice President Shettima. He also accused Governor Mohammed’s son of spreading false information online, suggesting that Jatau had slapped him.
“Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and tried to change the narrative,” Tuggar said.
Political Undercurrents?
Speculation has been rife that the altercation may have been politically motivated, tied to Tuggar’s rumored ambition to run for Bauchi State governor in 2027. Both Tuggar and Jatau hail from Bauchi North Senatorial District, which has never produced a state governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Though Tuggar did not confirm any political ambition, he voiced sharp criticism of Governor Mohammed’s leadership:
“Look at what’s happening in Bauchi—farmlands and grazing areas are being handed over to private companies, which then secure loans under the guise of promoting agriculture,” he said.
“If the aim is truly development, why hasn’t Bauchi emerged as a leader in grain or livestock production?”
While he has not officially declared his interest in the 2027 race, political observers believe the unfolding drama may signal the early stages of an electoral contest in Bauchi State.
Tuggar’s comments have added a new layer to the growing tension between federal and state actors in Bauchi, hinting at both personal grievances and deeper political rifts ahead of the next election cycle.
