Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that his recent comments regarding the APC governorship primary in Bauchi State were misrepresented, insisting he did not in any way attack President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a statement issued through his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar described interpretations suggesting he criticised the President as false, baseless, and a deliberate distortion of his remarks.

According to the statement, the interview in question, conducted in Hausa, focused on concerns about internal party processes in Bauchi State, with emphasis on transparency, fairness, and internal democracy in candidate selection.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ambassador Tuggar did not criticise or question President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in any way,” the statement read. “Any suggestion to the contrary is false and a deliberate distortion of his remarks.”

He stressed that his comments were strictly directed at party-level issues within the APC in Bauchi State and not at the President or the federal government, reaffirming his loyalty to Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tuggar also expressed concern over alleged attempts to influence the APC governorship selection process in the state, insisting that all aspirants should be allowed to participate freely in a fair and open primary.

The statement further noted that President Tinubu had directed all political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated timeframe, adding that any interested aspirant should comply with party rules and seek a mandate through proper channels.

It emphasised that Tuggar’s position was aimed at strengthening internal democracy within the APC and improving cohesion ahead of future elections.

“He remains steadfast in his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, committed to party unity, and dedicated to advancing policies that promote development and good governance,” the statement added.