I didn’t criticise, question Tinubu — Tuggar

BAUCHI — Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed his loyalty and support for President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying he did not criticise or question the President as misrepresented in some reports.

Tuggar also dismissed interpretations of his recent Hausa-language interview, describing them as distortions of his remarks.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi by his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim, the former minister said the claims circulating in sections of the media were false and misleading.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks,” the statement read.

He reiterated that Tuggar remained a loyal supporter of the President and fully committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

According to Alkassim, the interview in question focused on internal party matters in Bauchi State, particularly the need to uphold transparency, fairness and internal democracy in candidate selection processes.

He said Tuggar maintained that party members should be allowed to freely choose candidates through credible and competitive primaries.

The aide further stated that the former minister expressed concern over alleged attempts by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, to influence the APC governorship process in the state, instead of allowing aspirants test their popularity at the polls.

“His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” he said.

Alkassim noted that President Tinubu had already directed all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated timeframe, adding that any aspirant willing to contest should comply with the directive and seek a party mandate.

He added that Tuggar’s comments were aimed at strengthening the APC in Bauchi State and ensuring fairness in its internal democratic processes.

According to him, the former minister believes that addressing grievances and promoting inclusion would enhance party unity and electoral success.

“Amb. Tuggar remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity, and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development, prosperity, and good governance for the people of Bauchi State and Nigeria,” the statement added.

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