Tuggar loses Bauchi APC governorship ticket to ex-governor Abubakar

FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Yusuf Tuggar, has been defeated in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary ahead of the 2027 election in Bauchi State.

Results announced on Saturday showed that a former governor of the state, Mohammed Abubakar, emerged victorious after polling the highest number of votes in the exercise contested by 6 aspirants, including Tuggar.

Declaring the outcome of the primary, Chairman of the APC Governorship and House of Assembly Primary Committee in Bauchi, John Abang, said Abubakar secured 57,517 votes to emerge as the party’s candidate for the 2027 governorship election.

Tuggar came second with 26,001 votes. Nura Manu Soro scored 13,638 votes, while Bala Wunti polled 13,648 votes. Kabir Ma’aji garnered 8,157 votes.

Abang explained that the figures were collated from across the state following the conclusion of the primary election, after which Abubakar was formally returned as the APC flagbearer.

READ ALSO: 2027: Ex-foreign affairs minister Tuggar joins Bauchi governorship race

Tuggar had resigned as minister of foreign affairs on March 30 in compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees seeking elective offices in 2027 to step down from their positions.

Promises to Bauchi

Tuggar had emphasised that his aspiration was not rooted in personal power but in a desire to serve the people. He had noted that his administration, if elected, would consolidate on the achievements of previous leaders while introducing fresh ideas to reposition Bauchi for long-term growth and stability.

The former minister also unveiled a policy framework anchored on a 10-point development agenda, which he said was designed to accelerate sustainable economic and social progress. According to him, the blueprint would prioritise economic diversification to reduce dependence on limited revenue sources, alongside large-scale agricultural reforms and livestock development to boost productivity and food security.

He had equally highlighted plans to strengthen critical sectors such as healthcare and education, while expanding opportunities for women and young people through targeted empowerment programmes. Tuggar had stressed that youth inclusion would be central to his governance model, ensuring that younger demographics play an active role in decision-making and leadership.

Beyond these, his agenda outlined initiatives in digital innovation and entrepreneurship aimed at positioning Bauchi as a hub for emerging technologies and small business growth. He had also proposed investments in clean energy solutions to address power challenges, as well as infrastructure expansion and rural development projects to bridge the urban-rural divide.