Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has provided a detailed account of his recent altercation with Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, revealing that the governor insulted his late father and threatened to slap him during an official visit.

In an interview with BBC Hausa, Tuggar clarified that the incident, which occurred on April 19 during Vice-President Kashim Shettima's visit to Bauchi, began when Governor Mohammed inappropriately interjected in a conversation between the minister and the Vice President.

"We were travelling in a vehicle accompanying the Vice President on a visit to Bauchi State. The Vice President spoke to me, and the governor, who was sitting beside him, interjected in a conversation that didn't concern him," Tuggar explained. "He went as far as insulting my late father, who died over twenty years ago, and then threatened to slap me."

The minister stated that he stood up to defend himself after the governor's threat, asserting that "there was no way he could have any advantage over me." According to Tuggar, Deputy Governor Muhammad Auwal Jatau then rushed from the back of the vehicle, also threatening to slap him.

"But he couldn't even get close to me, especially since the Vice President was in the same vehicle," Tuggar added, emphasizing that no physical altercation actually occurred despite rumors circulating online.

Tuggar accused the governor's son of spreading false information on social media claiming that Deputy Governor Jatau had struck him. "Even the Deputy Governor later admitted the story was false and began pushing a different narrative," he said.

When questioned about speculation that the clash was politically motivated, particularly regarding Tuggar's rumored ambition to run for Bauchi governor in 2027, the minister neither confirmed nor denied such intentions. Instead, he redirected attention to his concerns about governance in the state.

"Everyone can see how farmlands and grazing lands are being taken away from farmers and herders and handed over to companies," he stated. "These companies then take loans under the guise of agriculture. But if the goal is development, why hasn't Bauchi become a leader in grain or livestock production?"

Political observers note that both Tuggar and Jatau hail from the Bauchi North Senatorial District, which has yet to produce a state governor since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999. While Tuggar has not formally declared his candidacy for the 2027 gubernatorial race, speculation continues to mount about his political ambitions in Bauchi State.