By RABIU SANI-ALI

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has declared his interest to contest for the Bauchi state governorship in the 2027 general election.

He said this while addressing party supporters at a political rally on Saturday in Bauchi.

Tuggar said he would contest the election under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC), to bring positive change to the state.

He said that he developed a blueprint to guide implementation of his administration’s 10-point agenda to fast track sustainable social and economic development of the state.

The former minister said the agenda focused on economic diversification, agricultural transformation, livestock development, health, education, and women/youth empowerment.

Others, he listed, were digital innovation/entrepreneurship development, clean energy, infrastructure and rural development, anti corruption campaign, improved salaries and welfare for the workers.

Tuggar said that if elected, he would initiate sound programmes to promote youth inclusive governance, and encourage community policing through collaboration with the government, security agencies, community and religious leaders, to foster peace and stability in the state.

“I’m standing forward not for power but for service and progress.

“I’m coming forward to build on the legacies of our good leaders and move the state forward,” he said.

He therefore sought the support of the stakeholders to enable him to secure the party’s ticket to run as its gubernatorial flagbearer.

Sen. Sams’ila Dahuwa (APC – Bauchi North), said that members of the national assembly from state threw their support behind Tuggar’s candidature.

Dahuwa said the lawmakers believed that Tuggar possessed the capacity, experience and respect to win election and deliver.

“APC is the party that brings change,” he said, and urged its members to rally behind Tuggar’s candidature.

Also, Nentewe Yiltwada, APC National Chairman, assured that the party would provide a level playing ground to all candidates.

Represented by Ibrahim Sama’ila-Ilali, APC Zonal Vice Chairman, Bauchi Central, Yiltwada urged candidates to adhere to the party’s rules, election protocols and respect its leadership.

He also urged the electorate to register and obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC), to enable them to exercise their franchise in the election. (NAN)