Abuja, Nigeria –Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday, accusing party leaders of bypassing democratic processes to handpick the governorship candidate for Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tuggar, who recently resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet to contest the ticket, claimed the selection of former Governor Mohammed Abubakar lacked transparency and amounted to outright imposition. He further alleged that powerful figures influenced the outcome at the highest level.

According to Tuggar, the APC National Chairman directly informed stakeholders that Abubakar had emerged as the candidate, citing President Tinubu’s endorsement. He also accused Minister of Health Muhammad Ali Pate of personally appealing to the President to block his own ambition.

Transitioning from expectation to disappointment, Tuggar expressed deep frustration over the process.

“This is not democracy. The President should not be choosing governorship candidates for us. We did not conduct primaries, we were simply told that Tinubu had chosen Abubakar as the APC governorship candidate for Bauchi State,” Tuggar stated firmly.

His remarks expose growing tensions within the ruling party, especially in Bauchi, currently governed by the opposition PDP. Tuggar, who placed second in the official results with 26,001 votes against Abubakar’s 57,517, insists no genuine primary election took place despite announcements suggesting otherwise.

Deepening Party Crisis

This controversy emerges just days after the primary exercise and adds to the narrative of internal rifts in the APC as it prepares for the 2027 polls. Tuggar’s bold challenge highlights a key grievance: the perceived erosion of internal democracy within the party.

Moreover, his allegations point to interference from the presidency and key ministers, raising questions about fairness and the autonomy of state chapters. Political observers note that such disputes could weaken the APC’s chances in Bauchi, where regaining power remains a strategic priority.

While official results declared Abubakar the winner, Tuggar’s account paints a different picture — one of a decision handed down from above rather than earned at the ballot. He stressed that aspirants had expected a credible contest where winners and losers would accept the outcome gracefully.

Reactions and Implications

Tuggar’s statement quickly sparked conversations across political circles. Supporters view it as a courageous stand for transparency, while critics dismiss it as the reaction of a sore loser. Nevertheless, the development underscores broader concerns about candidate selection processes in Nigerian politics, where presidential influence often shapes outcomes at state levels.

As the APC navigates these internal challenges, the coming weeks will test the party’s ability to manage dissent and project unity. For Tuggar, the fight appears far from over, as his comments signal potential further resistance or realignment.

This unfolding drama not only tests loyalty within the ruling party but also feeds public skepticism about democratic credentials at all levels of governance. More details are expected as stakeholders respond to the serious allegations.