Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has rejected claims that he attacked President Tinubu over the APC's Bauchi governorship primary. The former foreign affairs minister called the reports false and misleading.
In an interview conducted in Hausa, Tuggar stressed that party members deserve freedom to pick candidates through honest contests. His spokesman, Alkasim Abdulkadir, issued a clarification on Tuesday.
"Our attention has been drawn to various interpretations and misrepresentations of remarks made by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a recent interview conducted in the Hausa language," the statement read.
Abdulkadir made clear: Tuggar never criticized or questioned President Tinubu in any form. He described suggestions otherwise as outright falsehoods.
According to the spokesman, Tuggar remains deeply loyal to the president. He's committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda and the success of the APC administration.
The interview actually focused on party processes within Bauchi State, Abdulkadir explained. Tuggar wanted transparency, fairness, and internal democracy strengthened.
His real concern targeted Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, another Bauchi minister. Tuggar believed Pate tried to control the APC primary's outcome.
"His contention was simply that all interested candidates should have been given a fair opportunity to participate in an open contest," the spokesman noted.
Tuggar wanted every aspirant to demonstrate their appeal to delegates without interference. This was about preserving competitive elections within the party.
Abdulkadir reminded observers that President Tinubu had ordered all appointees seeking office to resign. Those willing to comply could contest freely for party support.
Tuggar's push stems from wanting to strengthen APC prospects in Bauchi. He believes fairness builds confidence in party processes.
The former minister thinks addressing complaints ensures unity and better positions the party forward. Strong internal democracy protects APC's future electoral chances.
Abdulkadir's statement appealed to both the president and APC leadership directly. He urged them to heed stakeholders' concerns seriously.
The statement called for reinforcing justice, inclusion, and party cohesion nationwide. These steps matter for long-term party strength.
Tuggar remains unwavering in backing President Tinubu, according to the clarification. He's dedicated to party unity above all else.
He continues pushing policies promoting development, prosperity, and good governance. Bauchi State and Nigeria benefit from his focus, officials said.
