By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has officially entered the race for the 2027 Bauchi State governorship election after purchasing the All Progressives Congress (APC) nomination form valued at N50 million, marking a significant escalation in the political contest within the state.
April 29, 2026 — Tuggar, who recently resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet in compliance with electoral guidelines, was seen at the APC national secretariat in Abuja where he completed the formal purchase of the governorship expression of interest and nomination forms.
Party sources confirmed that his entry has immediately reshaped early dynamics of the Bauchi gubernatorial race, attracting attention from political stakeholders and aspirants within the party structure.
The former diplomat and ex-ambassador to Germany had earlier declared his intention to contest, unveiling a 10-point agenda focused on economic diversification, agriculture, security, education, and youth empowerment, signalling a technocratic approach to governance if elected.
Tuggar’s move places him among a growing list of high-profile contenders, intensifying competition within the APC as the party prepares for internal primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Analysts say his resignation from federal office and swift transition into state politics reflects a broader pattern of cabinet-to-electoral repositioning common in Nigeria’s political cycle.
Political observers note that the N50 million form fee underscores the high financial threshold for elective office within major parties, further highlighting concerns around monetisation of internal party democracy and elite dominance in candidate emergence.
With his entry now formalised, attention shifts to APC primaries, where Tuggar is expected to face stiff competition from other established aspirants.
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