Bauchi APC Crisis Escalates as Former Governor Yuguda Fires Back at Minister Tuggar
Political tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State have reached a boiling point, with former governor Isa Yuguda launching a fierce counterattack against Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar. In a dramatic development, Yuguda has categorically rejected what he terms 'politics of pettiness' while making explosive allegations against the minister.
Explosive Allegations of Bribery and Division
Through his media office on Wednesday, Yuguda issued a strongly worded statement that directly addresses a petition reportedly submitted by Tuggar to the APC National Working Committee. The former governor described the allegations contained in the petition as a calculated attempt to tarnish his reputation and undermine his political standing.
Most startling among Yuguda's claims is the allegation that Minister Tuggar offered a $150,000 bribe to influence the outcome of a party delegation's report from the national secretariat. According to Yuguda, this move was specifically designed to override the will of party members in Bauchi State, though no concrete evidence was provided to substantiate this serious accusation.
Accusations of Inordinate Ambition and Ingratitude
Yuguda accused Tuggar of 'deliberately causing disaffection and fomenting trouble' within the Bauchi APC chapter, attributing this behavior to what he described as the minister's 'inordinate ambition' to secure the party's governorship ticket ahead of future elections. The former governor painted a picture of a minister more focused on personal political advancement than party unity.
The statement took a deeply personal turn as Yuguda recalled their long political relationship dating back to their days in the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). 'It is unbecoming and dishonourable,' the statement read, 'for someone who benefitted from Yuguda's political goodwill to now engage in character assassination.' Yuguda specifically highlighted his role in facilitating Tuggar's emergence as a member of the House of Representatives representing Gamawa Federal Constituency.
Yuguda's Political Credentials and Current Standing
In defending his position and reputation, Yuguda pointed to his extensive political and professional background:
- His distinguished career in the banking sector
- His tenure as a federal minister
- His eight-year service as governor of Bauchi State
- His current role in APC caucus leadership
- His involvement in support structures aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Despite the escalating conflict, Yuguda maintained that he would not 'descend into petty politics' and urged Tuggar to focus on his responsibilities as foreign affairs minister rather than engaging in internal party disputes. He emphasized his commitment to party unity and stability in Bauchi State.
Reaffirmation of Party Loyalty and Presidential Support
The former governor used the statement to reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the unity of the APC in Bauchi State and his continued support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. This declaration appears strategically positioned to demonstrate Yuguda's alignment with the national party leadership amid the local conflict.
At the time of the statement's release, efforts to reach Minister Tuggar or his representatives for comment on these serious allegations proved unsuccessful. The absence of an immediate response from the minister's camp adds another layer of complexity to this unfolding political drama within one of Nigeria's key northern states.
The Bauchi APC crisis represents a significant test for party unity in the lead-up to future elections, with implications that could extend beyond state boundaries given the national profiles of both figures involved. As the allegations and counter-allegations continue to unfold, political observers are watching closely to see how this internal conflict will be resolved and what impact it might have on the APC's fortunes in Bauchi State.
