Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated his support for President Bola Tinubu and his administration’s policy direction, while dismissing interpretations of a recent Hausa-language interview as misleading.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi through his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim.
Alkassim stressed that at no point did Tuggar criticise or cast doubt on President Tinubu, describing such claims as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of his comments.
He maintained that the former minister remains fully aligned with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and continues to support the APC-led government.
According to the statement, Tuggar’s comments in the interview were directed at internal party affairs in Bauchi State, particularly concerns about fairness, transparency, and credible processes in candidate selection.
He explained that Tuggar advocated for open and competitive primaries, allowing party members to freely choose their preferred aspirants.
Alkassim further noted that the former minister raised concerns over alleged attempts to influence the APC governorship process in the state, insisting that all aspirants should be given equal opportunity to contest.
He also referenced the President’s directive requiring political appointees seeking elective positions to resign within the stipulated period, adding that any aspirant is expected to comply if they intend to run.
The statement added that Tuggar’s position was aimed at strengthening internal democracy within the APC in Bauchi State and building trust among party members.
He said the former minister believes that addressing grievances and ensuring fairness would promote unity and improve the party’s prospects ahead of future elections.
Alkassim added that Tuggar had urged President Tinubu and APC leadership to continue engaging stakeholders and reinforcing principles of justice, inclusion, and cohesion within the party.
He reaffirmed that Tuggar remains committed to party unity, supportive of President Tinubu, and dedicated to policies that advance development, prosperity, and good governance in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.