Tension in Bauchi APC as Ex-Governor Accuses Tinubu’s Minister of $150,000 Bribe

Fresh crisis has erupted within the Bauchi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), following a sharp accusation by former Governor Isa Yuguda against the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

The clash became public on Wednesday after Yuguda’s camp reacted to a petition reportedly submitted against him at the APC national secretariat.

His allies described the move as politically motivated and aimed at discrediting him within the party.

In a strongly worded response, Yuguda’s media team accused the minister of working to destabilize the party structure in Bauchi. They alleged that Tuggar was behind efforts to undermine the outcome of a recent state congress.

At the centre of the dispute is a serious allegation of financial inducement. Yuguda’s camp claimed that a sum of $150,000 was allegedly used to influence members of a delegation sent by the APC National Secretariat.

The aim, according to the statement, was to override what it described as a popular grassroots consensus and shift control of the party structure.

Yuguda, speaking through a statement issued by his Media Office and signed by Dapo Okubanjo, described the situation as troubling. He warned that such actions pose a risk to party unity in a key North-East state.

He also criticised the minister’s alleged role in the crisis. He said it was inappropriate for a serving Minister of Foreign Affairs to be involved in internal party disputes at the state level instead of focusing on national responsibilities.

The statement did not hold back on personal history. Yuguda’s camp recalled their long-standing political relationship. It stated that the former governor played a role in Tuggar’s early political rise, including his emergence into the House of Representatives in 2007.

The camp expressed disappointment, accusing the minister of turning against his former political ally. It described the situation as “character assassination of the man, God used to nurture him into political success.”

Yuguda further maintained that he would not engage in unnecessary political conflict. He said his priority remains strengthening the APC in Bauchi and supporting the re-election bid of President Bola Tinubu.

He also stressed his current role as North East Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors. According to him, his focus is on consolidating support for the administration rather than engaging in internal disputes.