Tinubu’s Minister reveals why Nigerian Governor threatened to slap him

Tinubu’s Minister reveals why Nigerian Governor threatened to slap him

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has opened up about a recent altercation involving him, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau, clarifying the events that fueled the controversy.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar addressed reports that emerged after Vice-President Kashim Shettima’s April 19 visit to Bauchi.

The reports alleged that Jatau slapped Tuggar during a bus ride with other dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to the Emir of Bauchi’s palace—a claim the deputy governor has since denied.

Tuggar dismissed the slap narrative as false and instead revealed that tensions actually began with Governor Bala Mohammed, not his deputy.

According to the minister, the governor made provocative remarks during a conversation in the presence of the Vice President.

“We were in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President when he spoke to me. The Governor, seated nearby, interrupted a conversation that didn’t involve him,” Tuggar recounted.

“He insulted my late father—who passed away over 20 years ago—and then threatened to slap me. I stood up to show him I wasn’t intimidated.”

He said the confrontation escalated when Deputy Governor Jatau moved toward him, saying he too would slap him, but was unable to get close due to security presence and the Vice President’s proximity.

Tuggar clarified that no physical contact occurred during the exchange.

He further stated that the security personnel on the scene were federal officers from Abuja, not state security operatives.

Tuggar also accused the governor’s son of spreading false narratives online, fueling misinformation about the alleged slap.

“The Deputy Governor later admitted the slap never happened and tried to shift the story,” Tuggar said.

Responding to speculation that the rift stems from political ambition—specifically rumors that he may run for Bauchi governor in 2027 Tuggar neither confirmed nor denied his interest but emphasized that his criticisms were based on governance concerns.

“My comments are not driven by personal ambition. Look at what’s happening in my hometown, Udubo, and across the state. Farmlands and grazing areas are being taken from locals and handed to private companies under the guise of agricultural investment.

It’s displacing people and pushing some into criminality,” he said.

He questioned the impact of these policies, asking, “If this approach is truly for development, why hasn’t Bauchi become a leader in food production or livestock rearing?”

Both Tuggar and Jatau are from the Bauchi North Senatorial District a region yet to produce a state governor since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

Although Tuggar has not officially declared a 2027 gubernatorial bid, growing signs suggest he may be positioning himself for the role.