Tuggar Opens Up on Strained Ties with Bauchi Governor, Denies Slap Incident

Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed a frosty relationship with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, citing a recent altercation that deepened their rift.

In an interview with BBC Hausa published Thursday, Tuggar recounted a heated exchange with the governor during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s April 19 visit to Bauchi.

Altercation on Official Bus

Tuggar was among dignitaries who accompanied the vice-president to Bauchi. Reports later emerged alleging that Muhammad Auwal Jatau, the state’s deputy governor, slapped Tuggar during a bus ride from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace. The incident reportedly followed disparaging remarks made by Tuggar about the governor.

Jatau has denied the allegation.

Tuggar, however, accused Governor Mohammed of initiating the altercation. He claimed the governor interrupted a private discussion between him and the vice-president, verbally insulted his late father, and threatened to slap him.

“I didn’t see how he could beat me or slap me, so I also stood up and tried to stop him,” Tuggar said. “After that, his deputy ran from the back of the bus, saying he would also slap me, but he couldn’t even get close — don’t forget that the vice-president was in that bus.”

Political Undercurrents

Tuggar, a frequent critic of the Mohammed administration, is reportedly considering a bid for the Bauchi governorship. When asked about his political ambition, he said:

“Whether I have ambitions or not, if you look at my history, you’ll see that I speak the truth when it matters.”

He criticized the state government’s land policies, alleging that farmland and grazing areas are being handed over to companies under the guise of agricultural investment — a move he says is fueling insecurity.

“If giving state lands to companies for investments was truly beneficial, why isn’t Bauchi producing more grains or cattle than any other state?” he asked.

Jatau, also from Bauchi North — a senatorial district yet to produce a governor since 1999 — is likewise rumored to be eyeing the 2027 governorship race.