There is a cloud of controversy in Bauchi State following an altercation between the state’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday.
The incident reportedly occurred during the turbaning ceremony of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who was honoured as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate. The event, which also featured the wedding of Abubakar’s daughter, Khadija Mohammed, drew several high-profile attendees, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
According to eyewitness accounts, a heated exchange erupted after Tuggar allegedly made disparaging remarks about the Bala Mohammed-led administration. The comments are said to have infuriated the Deputy Governor who allegedly slapped the minister.
“The Deputy Governor was visibly furious. It was a shocking moment. If not for Vice President Shettima’s swift intervention, it could have escalated badly,” a source at the scene said.
The altercation appears to stem from an ongoing political dispute between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed.
The Foreign Minister, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been a vocal critic of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led state government.
There are suggestions that Tuggar is positioning himself for a 2027 governorship bid in Bauchi State.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official statement regarding the incident. The opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi has also remained silent.
