Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed reports suggesting he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, reaffirming his loyalty to the President and support for the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

In a statement issued on Sunday through his media aide, Abdulkadir Alkassim, Tuggar described interpretations of a recent Hausa-language interview as misleading and a deliberate distortion of his remarks.

According to the statement, the former minister did not at any point question or attack President Tinubu, stressing that he remains committed to the success of the APC-led administration.

The clarification comes amid reports linking Tuggar’s comments to internal disagreements within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State ahead of the party’s governorship contest.

Alkassim explained that Tuggar’s remarks were focused on the need to uphold transparency, fairness, and internal democracy within the party. He maintained that all aspirants should be given equal opportunities to contest and seek the support of party members through a credible and competitive process.

The statement also referenced concerns raised by Tuggar over alleged efforts by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to influence the APC governorship process in Bauchi State.

However, Tuggar insisted that his position was aimed at promoting fairness and strengthening the party rather than attacking any individual or the Presidency.

He further noted that President Tinubu had directed political appointees seeking elective positions to resign within the stipulated timeframe, adding that any interested aspirant is free to comply with the directive and seek the mandate of party members.

According to the statement, addressing grievances and ensuring fairness within the APC would foster unity and strengthen the party ahead of future elections.

Tuggar also urged the President and the APC leadership to consider stakeholders’ concerns and take necessary steps to reinforce justice, inclusion, and cohesion within the party.

Reaffirming his political stance, the former minister pledged continued support for President Tinubu, party unity, and policies aimed at promoting development, prosperity, and good governance in Bauchi State and across Nigeria.