Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has provided a detailed account of a recent altercation between him, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau. The incident, which took place on April 19, has since become the subject of widespread speculation and controversy.
In an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar clarified that the tension stemmed from Governor Mohammed’s behavior during a trip to Bauchi accompanying Vice-President Kashim Shettima. Tuggar explained that while traveling from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace, the Vice President spoke to him. During this conversation, Tuggar noted, Governor Mohammed abruptly interjected despite the matter not concerning him.
“We were travelling in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President on a visit to Bauchi State. The Vice President spoke to me, and the governor, who was sitting beside him, interjected in a conversation that didn’t concern him,” Tuggar recounted.
“He went as far as insulting my late father, who died over twenty years ago, and then threatened to slap me.”
In a surprising turn, Deputy Governor Jatau, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, allegedly joined in, also claiming that he would slap Tuggar. However, Tuggar quickly pointed out that Jatau did not get the opportunity to act on his words, especially with the Vice President present in the vehicle at the time.
Despite the verbal threats, Tuggar emphasized that no physical altercation occurred, and the situation ended without further escalation. He also took the opportunity to address rumors circulating on social media, which suggested that Deputy Governor Jatau had physically struck him. Tuggar accused the governor’s son of spreading these false reports. “Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and began pushing a different narrative,” Tuggar added.
Regarding political motivations behind the incident, particularly speculations about Tuggar’s possible gubernatorial aspirations for the 2027 elections, he neither confirmed nor denied the rumors. However, Tuggar did make it clear that his criticism of Governor Mohammed was based on his concerns over the state’s development, rather than any personal political ambitions.
“Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies,” he said. “These companies then take loans under the guise of agriculture.
“But if the goal is development, why hasn’t Bauchi become a leader in grain or livestock production?”
Both Tuggar and Jatau hail from the Bauchi North Senatorial District, an area that has not produced a state governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999. Though Tuggar has not made a formal announcement about his political intentions, there is growing speculation that he may run for governor in the upcoming 2027 elections.
