Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has revealed details of a tense confrontation with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed during Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Bauchi on April 19.
Tuggar alleged that the governor insulted his late father and threatened to slap him while they were riding in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace.
The incident drew widespread attention after rumors spread online claiming that Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau had slapped the minister during the trip. Jatau has publicly denied the allegation. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar said the dispute began with Governor Mohammed, not his deputy.
“The Vice President was talking to me when the governor, who was seated next to him, interrupted a conversation that didn’t concern him,” Tuggar said. “He insulted my late father, who died more than 20 years ago, and then threatened to slap me.” Tuggar said he responded firmly to the threat.
“There was no way he could have any advantage over me,” he stated. He also claimed that Deputy Governor Jatau moved forward from the back of the vehicle and declared he would slap the minister as well. However, according to Tuggar, “he couldn’t even get close to me, especially with the Vice President in the vehicle.” Tuggar stressed that no physical altercation took place and dismissed the online rumors, accusing the governor’s son of spreading the false narrative.
“Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and started pushing a different version,” he said. When asked whether the conflict was politically motivated—amid speculation that he may run for governor in 2027—Tuggar neither confirmed nor denied the possibility.
Instead, he criticized the current state administration, citing concerns over land allocation and lack of progress in agriculture. “Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken from farmers and herders and handed over to companies,” he said.
“These companies then take loans in the name of agriculture. But if this is truly for development, why hasn’t Bauchi become a leader in grain or livestock production?” Tuggar and Jatau both come from Bauchi North Senatorial District, a region yet to produce a state governor since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999. Although Tuggar has not declared any candidacy, political observers believe he may contest in the 2027 election.
