A high-profile political scuffle has sent shockwaves through Bauchi State after a heated altercation reportedly broke out between Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, on Friday.
The incident, which allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation, occurred aboard a bus transporting government officials from the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport to Bauchi city
According to sources, the dispute began between Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister Tuggar, rooted in their ongoing political tensions, especially over national policy disagreements. Deputy Governor Jatau, in an attempt to defend his principal, reportedly intervened—but his involvement allegedly escalated the situation rather than defusing it.
Things got so intense that other passengers in the vehicle had to step in to separate the two men and prevent further escalation. Among those reportedly present during the scuffle were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Coordinating Minister of Health Prof. Ali Pate, and several senators.
While reports remain unconfirmed, some sources allege that Jatau slapped the minister during the exchange.
The Backstory
The fallout between Governor Bala Mohammed and Minister Tuggar has been brewing for months. It intensified after Governor Mohammed publicly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills, describing them as policies that could worsen poverty in Northern Nigeria. Tuggar defended the reforms, claiming they were objective and not regionally biased.
The friction reached a tipping point in March, when Minister Tuggar was noticeably absent from an official event in his hometown of Udubu. The event, which involved the launch of the federal ‘Irrigate Nigeria’ initiative, had Governor Mohammed as the chief host. Tuggar was meant to represent President Tinubu but chose to skip the event—reportedly to avoid encountering the governor.
Official Silence
When reached for comments, Mukhatar Gidado, spokesperson for the Bauchi State governor, declined to speak on the matter, stating he was not present and had not been briefed.
Meanwhile, a source close to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking anonymously, confirmed that there was a verbal altercation between the governor and the minister but stopped short of confirming any physical fight between Tuggar and the deputy governor.
With key national figures reportedly present, this incident raises serious concerns about unity among political leaders, especially at a time when national cooperation is critical. Whether tempers simply flared or lines were crossed, one thing is clear: the friction within political ranks is becoming increasingly visible.
Let me know if you’d like a shorter version for social media or a follow-up analysis on the political implications of this feud.
