Politics

Kwankwaso ditches Tinubu after meetings, raising hopes of working with president

Published

2 weeks ago

March 30, 2026

Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has ditched President Bola Tinubu after reportedly holding some meetings with the former Lagos State governor and giving hopes of his willingness to work with him.

Kwankwaso, according to a report by The Punch had on Monday, July 21, 2025 held a closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the president’s official residence.

“The meeting followed Kwankwaso’s appearance at the opening of the Nigeria Forest Economy Summit 2025 held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. It is the second publicly known encounter between the two men in just over two years.Their last recorded meeting in the Aso Rock Villa took place on June 9, 2023, days after Tinubu’s inauguration, making Kwankwaso the first presidential candidate to visit the President.

“Addressing State House correspondents at the time, Kwankwaso said he discussed politics and governance with the president. He also said he might work with Tinubu, but did not state the details.Although the July 21, 2025 meeting was not open to the press, the visit came only weeks after the opposition African Democratic Congress announced a broad-based coalition aimed at challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections,” the report said.

Another report by The Cable on May 16 2023 said Kwankwaso met Tinubu for four hours in Paris, France.

The report partly reads: “At the centre of the discussion, TheCable understands, was the potential involvement of Kwankwaso in the incoming administration as Tinubu plans to form a “government of national unity” — which means giving certain positions to opposition parties.

The meeting also discussed issues around the election of the legislative leaders ahead of the June 13 inauguration of the 10th national assembly.

“The Paris meeting between Tinubu and Kwankwaso started at 12.30 pm and ended at 4.45 pm, insiders told TheCable. Femi Gbajabiamila, speaker of the house of reps and presumptive chief of staff to the president-elect, attended the meeting while Abdulmumin Jibrin, an NNPP rep-elect and former leader of a Tinubu campaign organisation, accompanied Kwankwaso.Oluremi Tinubu, senator and wife of president-elect received Kwankwaso’s wife, Salamatu.

“TheCable learnt that Tinubu and Kwankwaso reminisced on their relationship dating back to the national assembly in 1992. Tinubu was a senator while Kwankwaso was deputy speaker in the house of reps.

“TheCable understands that Kwankwaso, in principle, agreed to join Tinubu’s government subject to consultations with the stakeholders on both sides.

“Tinubu is expected to brief Kashim Shettima, the vice-president elect, APC governors forum and other party leaders while Kwankwaso will do the same with his party leadership.”

After raising hopes of the leadership of the APC through his body language and suggestive utterances, that he would join the party, the former NNPP presidential candidate in the last election last weekend announced plans to register with the African Democratic Congress.

His group, Kwankwasiyya Movement also last weekend directed its members nationwide to register with the African Democratic Congress following plans by its leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to join the party.

Related Topics:APC Bola Tinubu Featured Rabiu Kwankwaso

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Politics

Amb. Yusuff Maitama Tuggar: A leader committed to positive change

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

By Adebayo Adeoye

No doubt many have lost hope in the nation’s democratic process, but the beauty of democracy can always be restored when the people begin to enjoy the much-needed dividends of good and credible governance. This reality has brought many to the conclusion that the electorate must consciously choose leaders who understand governance and know their onions.

The realities of various protests and public criticism have opened the eyes of many to the urgent need for a new set of individuals who are ready and committed to facilitating positive change. There is a growing demand for a generation of sound minds with the courage to pull the bull by the horns and do the needful to move communities to a place where hope is not only rekindled but dreams are turned into reality.

It is for these reasons that many people increasingly point to Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, an experienced diplomat of high repute and a brilliant mind, as a symbol of hope for a new Bauchi State. This growing public yearning is fueled by his passion for using public service as a viable tool for societal re-engineering, rather than any personal declaration or ambition on his part.

As part of his grassroots advocacy and passion for community building and development, Tuggar, in June last year, expressed sympathy for affected traders and condemned the demolition exercise. He pledged support for their recovery and rebuilding efforts. The demolitions, which affected shops along Kano Road and other parts of the Bauchi metropolis, left thousands of small business owners in despair.

Understanding how pivotal education has become to the wholesome development of human nature, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar the Minister of Foreign Affairs this January has granted a scholarship to 40 indigent students to study at the Aminu Sale College of Education in Azare, Bauchi State. No doubt upon the completion of their studies they will contribute immensely to the educational advancement of the zone.

In Nigeria, public leadership has long carried an unwritten expectation: that national prominence should never sever local responsibility. Community foundations linked to political figures often serve as informal bridges between state institutions and grassroots needs. Through the Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar in Bauchi State appears to reflect this tradition modest in publicity, yet steady in local impact.

Its most visible contribution lies in humanitarian welfare. Periodic distribution of food items, grains, and basic relief materials has provided short-term stability to vulnerable households, particularly in rural communities where inflation, climate pressures, and employment gaps remain acute. Through his intervention on the 15th of December 2024, the ECOWAS Emergency Flood Response supported 850 households across Katagum, Jama’are, Zaki, Gamawa, and Giade local government areas, with a total of 1,000 households benefiting from the initiative. Last he made a personal donation of 20 Million Naira to the same zone to cushion the effects of flooding.

This, among many other actions, has showcased his milk of kindness and deep concern for the welfare of the people.

The current Minister of Foreign Affairs has consistently demonstrated belief in policies and initiatives that have direct impact on the welfare of the people. Many believe that much can be achieved in Bauchi State through proper governance, adequate leadership and effective representation, values he has continued to exemplify in public service. His track record suggests that he would bring governance closer to the grassroots if ever called upon to serve at that level.

Beyond his current role as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar’s career is marked by deep-rooted political heritage, extensive private sector experience in the energy sector, and recent high-level diplomatic achievements.

Indeed, the growing calls for a bright mind like him to lead Bauchi State reflect the people’s desire to move away from recycling mediocrity towards purposeful leadership with clear vision and plans for governance.

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Politics

Yusuf Maitama Tuggar: The man the cap fits

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

Adebayo Adeoye

In every defining political season, the real question is not simply who can lead, but who fits the moment. In Bauchi State’s unfolding story, many believe Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is that fit — the man the cap sits on with ease and authority.

Leadership, like a cap, is symbolic and weighty. It demands balance, composure and a certain natural bearing. Not every head can carry it without strain. Tuggar, honed by years of public service and diplomatic finesse, wears it with quiet confidence. His demeanor is calm, his rhetoric measured, his vision deliberate.

On the global stage, he cultivated the art of negotiation, consensus-building and strategic engagement. He understands policy not as theory but as a living instrument for development. That rare fusion of international exposure and local awareness positions him uniquely in a state eager for growth and renewed direction.

Yet beyond résumé and reputation lies temperament. Tuggar’s strength is not in political theatrics but in thoughtful engagement. In an era where volume often substitutes for value, he represents depth over display, strategy over slogans.

Bauchi stands at a crossroads — rich in agricultural promise, blessed with youthful energy and hungry for investment-driven transformation. What it requires is steady, purposeful leadership. Tuggar’s outlook aligns with those aspirations, offering a vision rooted in structure, sustainability and inclusive progress.

Politics

Beyond Protocol: The Tuggar Effect on Nigeria’s Global Standing

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

News Diggers

Adebayo Adeoye

Less than three years after stepping into office as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has steadily carved a distinct imprint on the nation’s diplomatic landscape. In a world increasingly defined by shifting alliances, economic realignments and delicate geopolitical balances, he has proven himself, beyond rhetoric, to be a round peg in a round hole.

From the very beginning, Ambassador Tuggar approached the ministry not merely as an administrative responsibility, but as a strategic command centre for Nigeria’s global engagement. With an intellect sharpened by experience and a temperament grounded in composure, he has brought clarity and coherence to Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. His style is not loud, yet it resonates. It is measured, yet firm. It is thoughtful, yet decisive.

In multilateral corridors and bilateral negotiations alike, Tuggar has showcased the fine balance between diplomacy and national interest. He speaks with precision, listens with intent, and negotiates with foresight. Under his watch, Nigeria’s voice has not only been heard — it has been respected. From strengthening regional partnerships within Africa to redefining economic diplomacy as a core pillar of engagement, he has demonstrated that foreign policy is not an abstract exercise; it is a tool for national development.