FORMER Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has raised alarm over what he described as widespread poverty, unemployment, and inadequate access to healthcare in Bauchi State, declaring that the situation must change as he formally announced his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election.
News Point Nigeria reports that Tuggar made the declaration on Saturday in Bauchi, where he painted a stark picture of the state’s current realities despite its abundant human and natural resources. He said the North-East state is at a critical turning point.
“Our state stands at the crossroads. We’re rich in history, culture, and human potential, yet many of our people continue to face poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and limited access to quality education and healthcare,” he said.
“This must change, and it will change. I am stepping forward, not for power but for service, not for privilege but for progress.”
While acknowledging the contributions of past administrations, the former minister expressed appreciation for their efforts, even as he pledged to improve on their legacies.
“Past leaders in the state have done their part, and we thank them for that,” he said, adding, “I am coming forward to build on the good legacies of previous leaders and correct mistakes of the past where they occurred.”
Tuggar assured residents that his administration, if elected, would prioritise economic growth with a strong focus on agriculture as a driver of household income and improved purchasing power.
“This we will achieve by investing the money of the state in the areas of economic advantage, namely farming during the rainy season, as well as during the dry season, raising animals at home by women, youths, and others, and improving transhumance through making the forest reserves and transhumance corridors modernised and improved,” he explained.
According to him, the proposed agricultural reforms are backed by a well-developed implementation framework, alongside similar plans for the solid minerals sector.
“And we are not just doing this at the top of our heads; we have a blueprint for implementing this because agriculture is very important. We have something similar for solid minerals, so we have come very much prepared,” Tuggar declared.
He also outlined key governance priorities, including prompt payment of workers’ salaries, revitalisation of local markets, and support for farmers, alongside the development of agro-processing industries aimed at job creation and economic expansion.
“Our core message here is that we will move from subsistence to prosperity, making agriculture a business, not just survival,” he added.
On security, Tuggar noted that while Bauchi enjoys relative stability compared to some neighbouring states, emerging threats remain a concern. He stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent further deterioration.
“We will use community policing and dialogue, and, importantly, our traditional institutions. We will strengthen collaboration with security agencies and local communities,” he said.
Tuggar, who was appointed minister by Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023, resigned from the position on March 30, 2026, to pursue his governorship ambition under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
His political career also includes serving as a member of the House of Representatives between 2007 and 2011, where he represented the Gamawa Constituency in Bauchi State.