Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has provided a comprehensive explanation regarding a recent misunderstanding involving himself, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau.
The incident allegedly happened on April 19 during Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Bauchi. It stirred public interest following reports that Deputy Governor Jatau had slapped the minister during a bus ride from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace.
Jatau has since denied the allegations.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, Tuggar shed light on the situation, indicating that the disagreement originated with Governor Mohammed rather than his deputy.
“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 said.
“He went as far as insulting my late father, who died over twenty years ago, and then threatened to slap me.”
Tuggar explained that he stood his ground following the governor’s threat, saying “there was no way he could have any advantage over me.”
According to him, Deputy Governor Jatau then moved forward from the rear of the vehicle and declared that he too would slap him.
“But he couldn’t even get close to me, especially since the Vice President was in the same vehicle,” he said.
He stressed that despite the tensions, there was no physical confrontation and that the matter did not escalate, contrary to what was being circulated online.
Tuggar accused the governor’s son of circulating false information on social media, including claims that Jatau had slapped him. “Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and began pushing a different narrative.”
When asked whether political motivations were behind the clash, particularly in light of speculations about his interest in running for Bauchi governor in 2027, Tuggar neither confirmed nor denied the rumors.
Instead, he explained that his criticism of the governor was rooted in genuine concerns over the management of the state.
“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?”
Tuggar and Jatau both hail from the Bauchi North Senatorial District, which has not produced a state governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Although Tuggar has not officially announced any plans to run, many political analysts suspect he may enter the 2027 race.
