By Monday Danladi
The Pate Youth Ambassadors Initiative (PYI) has faulted former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, over alleged insinuating comments against the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, regarding the conduct and outcome of the recent governorship primary election of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bauchi State.
Recall that former Governor of Bauchi State, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, emerged as the consensus governorship candidate of the APC following the intervention of party stakeholders and the national leadership of the party, a development that has continued to generate reactions among party members.
PYI exonerated the Coordinating Minister from the ongoing political crisis in the Bauchi State chapter of the APC, particularly concerning the outcome of the party’s governorship primary election held recently.
Reacting to claims that Professor Muhammad Ali Pate allegedly played a role in influencing the emergence of the former governor as the party’s candidate, the group expressed deep concern and disappointment over comments reportedly made by Ambassador Tuggar regarding the minister’s role in the political affairs of Bauchi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a press statement issued on Sunday, the group stated: “We were shocked by the claim that Professor Muhammad Ali Pate allegedly influenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to endorse former Bauchi State Governor, Barrister Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, SAN, as the preferred governorship candidate of the APC in Bauchi State.”
According to the statement, such allegations were “unfortunate, unnecessary, and capable of creating division among party stakeholders and supporters.”
The group described Professor Pate as “a respected technocrat, globally recognised public health expert, and distinguished son of Bauchi State whose contributions to national development have earned him local and international recognition.”
It added that throughout his career, the minister has demonstrated professionalism, competence, and commitment to public service, stressing that associating him with what it termed “unsubstantiated political claims” does not reflect the maturity and leadership expected from senior political figures.
“PYI also notes that Professor Pate’s reputation has been built on merit, hard work, and measurable achievements, and there is no credible basis for linking him to the political narratives being circulated,” the statement added.
The group further stated: “It is therefore surprising that rather than presenting his achievements and vision for the future of Bauchi State, Ambassador Tuggar has chosen to make allegations against Professor Muhammad Ali Pate. These claims lack credible evidence, substance, and any verifiable foundation. They appear to be politically motivated and intended to divert attention from the real issues affecting the people of Bauchi State.”
PYI also expressed concern that some of Ambassador Tuggar’s recent comments appeared to be driven by “political frustration rather than a constructive agenda for the development of Bauchi State.”
It urged political leaders seeking public office to focus on presenting their programmes, achievements, and solutions to the challenges facing the people instead of attributing political developments to the influence of others.
“The repeated attempts to link Professor Muhammad Ali Pate to decisions regarding party nominations and endorsements are, in our view, unfounded and unsupported by any credible evidence. Rather than engaging in blame games and political distractions, all aspirants should respect the democratic process and allow party members and the people of Bauchi State to freely determine their preferred candidates,” the group stated.
The statement maintained that citizens of Bauchi State are politically conscious and capable of assessing the competence, experience, leadership qualities, and track records of aspirants seeking public office.
PYI further argued that former Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar possesses broader governance experience and political leadership credentials than Ambassador Tuggar.
“As a former Governor of Bauchi State, Barrister MA Abubakar directly led the affairs of the state and implemented policies and programmes that impacted the lives of the people,” the group stated.
According to PYI, “his experience in governance and public administration places him among the most experienced political figures in Bauchi State.”
The group therefore maintained that any comparison between the two politicians should be based on their records of service, leadership achievements, and contributions to the development of Bauchi State and Nigeria.
PYI also described Tuggar’s claim that Professor Pate influenced presidential decisions regarding APC ticket allocations as “completely false and misleading.”
“If such influence truly existed, it would not be necessary for him to seek political validation through blame and allegations,” the statement added.
The group stressed that political opportunities are earned through party processes, public trust, and democratic competition, noting that attempts to shift responsibility for internal party outcomes to individuals who have no role in such decisions are unfair and misleading.
“We also remind all political actors that the APC remains a democratic institution with established procedures for selecting candidates. The party’s flag bearer for any election will emerge through constitutional and democratic processes, not speculation or propaganda,” it added.
The statement further noted that Professor Muhammad Ali Pate’s contributions to national development, particularly in the health sector, have brought recognition to Bauchi State and Nigeria.
PYI expressed confidence that the people of Bauchi State are capable of making informed decisions based on competence, character, capacity, and track record, stressing that the choice of who governs the state will ultimately rest with the electorate through a transparent democratic process.
The group therefore called on Ambassador Tuggar and other political stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly, avoid divisive rhetoric, and contribute positively to the unity, peace, and development of Bauchi State.
The statement was signed by Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, Director General of the Pate Youth Ambassadors Initiative (PYI).
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