Tuggar dismisses reports of criticism against Tinubu, says remarks focused on APC internal democracy and candidate selection in Bauchi.
The former minister expressed reservations about what he described as attempts by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate to influence the emergence of the party’s governorship candidate, arguing that aspirants should be allowed to test their popularity through an open contest before delegates.
According to him, the strength and future of the APC depend on transparent, competitive and credible internal elections that give party members the freedom to choose their preferred candidates.
He maintained that all aspirants interested in contesting should be given a level playing field and an opportunity to seek the support of party delegates without undue interference.
Tuggar also referenced President Tinubu’s directive requiring political appointees seeking elective office to resign within the stipulated period, noting that anyone interested in contesting remained free to comply with the directive and pursue political ambitions through established party procedures.
While acknowledging the ongoing debate, Tuggar stressed that his intervention was intended to strengthen the APC rather than create divisions within the party.
He warned that unresolved grievances and perceptions of unfairness could undermine party cohesion and urged the APC leadership to uphold the principles of justice, inclusion and internal democracy.
The statement further emphasised that his loyalty to President Tinubu remains unwavering even as he advocates reforms aimed at strengthening the party’s internal democratic processes.