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Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, has clarified his reported comments on President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying he was not criticizing or questioning the President which was misrepresented in some reports.
Tuggar also rejected the Hausa-language interpretation of the recent interview, describing it as a distortion of his statements.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Bauchi by his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim, the former minister said claims circulating in some media outlets were false and misleading.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar is not criticizing or questioning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and is a deliberate distortion of his statements,” the statement read.
He reiterated that Tuggar remains a staunch supporter of the President and is fully committed to the New Hope Agenda and the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.
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According to Alkassim, the interview in question focused on internal party issues in Bauchi State, particularly the need to uphold transparency, fairness and internal democracy in the candidate selection process.
He said Tuggar made it clear that party members should be allowed to freely choose candidates through credible and competitive primaries.
The aide further stated that the former minister expressed his concern over the alleged efforts of the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, to influence the APC gubernatorial election process in the state, instead of letting prospective candidates test their popularity at the polls.
“His opinion is simply that all interested candidates should have a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” he said.
Alkassim noted that President Tinubu had ordered all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated time, adding that any aspirant wishing to contest must comply with the directive and obtain a mandate from the party.
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 encouraging inclusion will increase 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.
