Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar has denied reports claiming he criticised President Bola Tinubu, saying his remarks in a recent Hausa-language interview were misrepresented.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by his media aide Abdulkadir Alkassim, ex-Minister Tuggar said suggestions that he criticised or questioned the president were false.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way. Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks,” the statement said.
According to Mr Alkassim, Tuggar remains committed to the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the administration.
The statement explained that Tuggar’s comments during the interview were focused on internal affairs of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State, particularly the need for transparency and fairness in the selection of candidates.
It said he advocated open and competitive processes that would allow party members to freely choose their candidates.
Alkassim added that Tuggar also raised concerns about alleged attempts to influence the APC governorship process in the state, insisting that all aspirants should have the opportunity to test their popularity through open contests.
“His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest,” he said.
The statement also referred to President Tinubu’s directive that political appointees seeking elective positions should resign within the required timeframe, noting that interested aspirants were expected to comply.
According to the aide, Tuggar’s remarks were aimed at strengthening internal democracy within the APC and promoting unity in Bauchi State.
“Amb. Tuggar remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development, prosperity and good governance,” the statement added.
