“He has abandoned his duty for politics” – Pro-democracy group slams Tinubu’s minister

A pro-democracy advocacy group, the Good Governance Group, has issued slammed Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, accusing him of abandoning his official responsibilities in favour of politics ahead of the 2027 elections in Bauchi State.

Tuggar, a former member of the House of Representatives, is rumoured to be eyeing the Bauchi governorship seat in 2027.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the group expressed deep concern over what it described as the Minister’s growing focus on state-level politics while key foreign policy issues suffer from neglect.

“At a time when Nigeria’s global standing requires clear-headed leadership and focus, it is worrisome that the Minister appears more engrossed in grassroots political activity in Bauchi than in delivering on his constitutional mandate,” the group stated.

The organization cited mounting delays in diplomatic coordination, a noticeable decline in Nigeria’s visibility in regional affairs, and underperformance in the management of foreign missions as evidence of the Minister’s alleged dereliction of duty.

They warned that Tuggar’s political ambitions are causing dangerous distractions both at the federal and state levels.

“While Ambassador Tuggar is within his rights to seek elective office, the honorable course would be to resign and pursue his ambition without undermining the crucial role he currently occupies,” the statement added.

The group, led by its chairman Hon. Ibrahim Isah, did not mince words, also condemning recent tensions involving the Minister’s son, Adam Tuggar, who was accused of clashing with Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed, the son of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed.

Isah said: “This isn’t politics. This is a shameful, classless display by an entitled child who clearly doesn’t understand the difference between privilege and responsibility.”

The group said the altercation symbolized a deeper issue of political entitlement and recklessness, warning that such behaviour could destabilize Bauchi’s already delicate political environment.

“Shamsudeen Bala Mohammed doesn’t need a rented title or a father in a suit to make waves. He is grounded, respected, and stands tall beside a working governor who has delivered real results for Bauchi State. Can the same be said for you, Adam?” the statement queried.

“Bauchi deserves focused leadership. Nigeria’s foreign policy deserves a committed helmsman. It’s time to choose,” the statement concluded.