Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed his loyalty and support for President Bola Tinubu’s transformational policies and programmes.
He also dismissed reports misinterpreting his remarks in a recent Hausa-language interview, calling them misrepresentations of fact.
Tuggar made the clarification in a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi by his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks.
“The former minister remains a loyal supporter of the President, fully committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the APC-led administration,” he said.
According to Alkassim, the interview focused on concerns about internal party processes in Bauchi State and the need to uphold transparency, fairness, and internal democracy.
He said Tuggar’s position “is that party members should be allowed to freely choose their candidates through credible and competitive elections”.
The spokesman noted that Tuggar expressed concern over alleged efforts by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Ali Pate, to influence the APC governorship process rather than allow aspirants to test their popularity with party members.
“His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” Alkassim said.
He added that the President had directed all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated timeframe.
“Any aspirant willing to contest is free to comply with that directive and seek the mandate of party members,” he said.
Alkassim stressed that Tuggar’s concerns were aimed at strengthening the APC in Bauchi State and preserving confidence in the party’s internal democratic processes.
“Tuggar believes that addressing grievances and ensuring fairness will promote unity and help position the party for future success,” he said.
He said Tuggar had urged President Tinubu and the APC leadership to consider stakeholders’ concerns and take necessary steps to reinforce justice, inclusion, and party cohesion.
“Tuggar remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity, and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development, prosperity, and good governance for the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria,” he concluded.
