Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and a prominent governorship aspirant in Bauchi State, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain vigilant against “fraudulent” consensus arrangements following his successful screening by the party’s National Working Committee.
Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise, Tuggar described the screening process as a routine verification of his credentials.
He emphasized that his long-standing history as a founding member of the APC and previously the CPC and ANPP makes his documentation familiar to the party leadership.
Ambassador Tuggar raised concerns regarding a sudden surge in candidates picking up forms just 24 hours before the screening.
He suggested that some of these late entries might be a strategic maneuver to create a false “consensus” for a preferred candidate.
”It is unlikely that there is going to be a consensus in Bauchi State,” Tuggar stated. “It is important for the APC to sift through those who are seriously committed and those who may just join the race only to withdraw for a preferred candidate. Any fraudulent or untoward practice should not be entertained.”
This marks Tuggar’s third attempt at the Bauchi Government House. Reflecting on his previous runs in 2011 and 2015, he noted that the current political landscape is significantly different due to legislative reforms.
No Incumbent Advantage: Unlike 2011, where he faced an incumbent seeking a second term, the current governor is finishing his final term.
Electoral Integrity: Tuggar highlighted that the current Electoral Act prevents the “last-minute” party switching that characterized previous cycles.
Technological Progress: He noted that earlier bids were marred by a lack of electronic card readers and other “anomalies” that have since been addressed.
The Vision: Fixing the “Achilles’ Heel”
When asked about his motivation for running, the former Ambassador to Germany cited a debt of gratitude to the Nigerian educational system.
He argued that the failure of state and local governments is the “Achilles’ heel” of the Nigerian system, contributing directly to insecurity and the crisis of out-of-school children.
”I am a product of the Nigerian educational system when it was top-notch,” Tuggar said. “We need the states and local governments to function effectively. We owe it to Nigeria to fix our education so graduates can once again express themselves with the confidence we once enjoyed.”
Tuggar concluded by urging the party to prioritize “grassroots politicians and mobilizers” who can deliver victories not just for the governorship, but for the Presidency and legislative seats as well.