The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has rejected allegations made by former Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda, describing them as baseless and defamatory.

In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister denied claims that he offered financial inducements to influence internal processes within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State.

The statement said the allegations lacked credible evidence and were aimed at misleading party members while creating unnecessary tension within the party.

It stressed that Tuggar has maintained integrity throughout his public service and has never engaged in such conduct.
According to the minister’s aide, Tuggar remains a founding member of the APC and has consistently supported the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He added that the minister has always worked to strengthen party structures through due process, consultation, and respect for internal democracy.

The statement also provided context to the dispute, noting that the controversy revolves around the position of APC State Secretary in Bauchi. It said the role is traditionally zoned to Katagum Zone, where stakeholders, including party leaders and legislators, have agreed that the current officeholder should remain.

It accused Yuguda of attempting to unilaterally replace the State Secretary with a preferred candidate, a move allegedly rejected by stakeholders in the zone.

The statement described the former governor as a “lone voice” pushing what it called a baseless agitation.

Tuggar’s camp further criticised Yuguda’s political history, citing what it described as a pattern of shifting allegiances across political parties.

It referenced his exit from the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2009 despite benefiting from its support, as well as his later political moves, including contesting under the Green Party of Nigeria.

The statement also dismissed claims that Yuguda played a role in Tuggar’s political rise, arguing instead that the former governor benefited from Tuggar’s support base during the 2007 elections in Bauchi State.

While reaffirming the minister’s focus on his national duties, the statement said Tuggar remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests in line with the administration’s agenda.

It urged APC members in Bauchi State to prioritise unity, respect party processes, and work collectively to strengthen the party.