By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has dismissed allegations by former Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda as baseless and defamatory.

Through his aide, Tuggar denied claims of offering financial inducements to influence APC internal processes.

The conflict centers on the APC State Secretary position in Bauchi, which is traditionally zoned to the Katagum region. While stakeholders want the incumbent to remain, Tuggar’s camp accuses Yuguda of trying to illegally install his own candidate.

Tuggar’s representative emphasized the Minister’s career of integrity, stating he has never engaged in such misconduct.

The statement labeled Yuguda a “lone voice” whose evidence-free claims are designed to create tension and mislead the party.

The Minister’s team also refuted Yuguda’s claim of aiding Tuggar’s political rise, arguing instead that Yuguda benefited from Tuggar’s support in 2007. They further criticized the former governor’s history of frequently shifting political allegiances.

Reaffirming his loyalty, Tuggar highlighted his status as a founding APC member and a steadfast supporter of President Tinubu. He maintained that his party involvement is always guided by due process and respect for internal democracy.

The statement urged Bauchi APC members to prioritize collective unity over personal interests. It called for strengthening party structures through official channels rather than using defamatory attacks that polarize the membership and distract from national goals.

Focusing on his diplomatic duties, Tuggar demanded a retraction of the false claims. He insisted that party leaders should dedicate their energy to the “Renewed Hope” agenda rather than engaging in internal skirmishes and character assassination.