Politics in Bauchi State may never remain the same again after Yusuf Maitama Tuggar officially declared his intention to run for the top job in the state.

What many expected to be an ordinary political gathering quickly transformed into a historic show of strength, popularity and mass acceptance as thousands of supporters thronged the venue in the state capital to witness the moment many believe signals a new chapter for Bauchi politics.

From the early hours of the day, roads leading to the Eid Prayer Ground, venue of the declaration was filled with enthusiastic supporters, youth groups, women associations, traditional loyalists and political stakeholders who came from different parts of the state to identify with the man many now describe as the bridge between experience, competence and modern leadership.

The atmosphere was electric. Chants of solidarity songs rented the air while banners, posters and colourful attires bearing Tuggar’s image painted the city in festive colours.

For observers of Bauchi politics, the declaration was more than just another campaign launch—it was a statement. It was a loud signal that Tuggar remains one of the most formidable political figures in the state today.

The sheer size of the crowd and the organic enthusiasm displayed by supporters suggested that his political relevance has only grown stronger over time.

Known for his calm intellect, diplomatic reach and strategic thinking, Tuggar has built a reputation that stretches beyond Bauchi and Nigeria. His years in public service, particularly at the national level, have positioned him as a politician with global exposure and local understanding.

Supporters believe these qualities make him uniquely qualified to steer Bauchi into a new era of prosperity, investment and inclusive governance.

At the venue, speakers after speakers extolled his leadership qualities, describing him as a son of the soil who has remained connected to his roots despite his national and international engagements.

Many praised his accessibility, humility and commitment to youth development, while others insisted that Bauchi needs a leader with vision, networks and the courage to make bold decisions.

During his speech the former Foreign Affairs Minister said he presented himself not merely as a candidate, but as a humble servant committed to the progress and prosperity of the good people of Bauchi State.

With the vision to anchor on strengthening agriculture as a driver of economic growth and food security, while ensuring the prompt and consistent payment of salaries and gratuities to preserve the dignity and welfare of our civil servants.

‘’I am dedicated to advancing youth and women empowerment through sustainable opportunities that foster inclusion, productivity, and self-reliance. My agenda also prioritizes comprehensive infrastructural development to support economic activities and improve the quality of life across the state.

“Furthermore, I am committed to delivering accessible and high-quality education and healthcare systems that meet the needs of our people, alongside promoting innovation and ICT development as tools for modernization and global competitiveness.

“Above all, my mission is centered on improving the overall well-being of every citizen of Bauchi State through responsive, people-oriented governance’’ He stated.

Political analysts say the declaration instantly changes the arithmetic of the Bauchi governorship race. With one appearance, Tuggar has injected momentum, excitement and renewed competition into the contest. Rivals, many believe, can no longer ignore the strength he commands or the growing movement around his candidacy.

As the sun set on the colourful gathering, one message rang clear across the state capital: Tuggar is not merely testing the waters—he has entered the race with force, structure and undeniable public goodwill.

Ahead of the 2027 general election, opposition political parties are making moves to present a single presidential candidate

The resolution was adopted on Saturday at the national summit of opposition political party leaders held in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state.

The parties at the summit include the African Democratic Congress (ADC) faction led by David Mark, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chaired by Kabiru Turaki, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the parties said they will resist all “machinations by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to foist a one-party state on Nigeria”.

“That despite the onslaughts and manoeuvrings of the ruling party, the APC, to impose President Bola Tinubu as the sole Presidential candidate in 2027, we shall field candidates and contest the 2027 Presidential and other elections,” the communiqué reads.

“That we shall work towards fielding one Presidential Candidate for the 2027 elections, which shall be agreed and supported by all participating opposition parties to rescue our nation and her long-suffering masses.”

The parties alleged that Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has “shown bias and partisanship in favour of the APC” and should be removed from office.

“Nigerians across board have lost confidence in him and his capacity to guarantee the required neutrality to deliver free, fair, transparent and credible elections. His continuous stay in office is vexatious and capable of triggering widespread crisis in our nation,” the parties said.

The opposition parties called on the national assembly to immediately review the Electoral Act 2026, to “remove all sections that threaten the sanctity and integrity of elections”.

Former Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Ajayi Agboola Alfred, has called on political leaders and stakeholders in Ese Odo Local Government to uphold the longstanding political power rotation arrangement between the Apoi and Arogbo communities, describing it as a vital foundation for peace, unity, and political stability in the area.

In a statement released amid growing political realignments ahead of the next political season, the former deputy governor emphasized that the existing arrangement, which has been in place since 1999, was established to ensure fairness, mutual trust, and peaceful coexistence among the people of Ese-Odo Local Government.

According to him, the rotational understanding has over the years helped to prevent political tension and promote inclusiveness across the two blocs. He noted that the arrangement has remained respected by political actors and leaders across party lines and should not be altered for personal or selfish interests.

Agboola, who stated that he was among the leaders involved in initiating the agreement, recalled how political stakeholders in the past resisted attempts to disrupt the arrangement, particularly during the period when late Dr. Francis Ajih served as Chairman of Ese-Odo Local Government Council.

He explained that despite efforts by some political interests at the time to alter the zoning structure, leaders and residents across party affiliations stood firmly in support of maintaining the agreed political balance, leading to the emergence of Late Hon. Earnest Anifowose from Apoi as a member of the Ondo State House of Assembly.

The former deputy governor warned against any move capable of creating division or mistrust between the Apoi and Arogbo communities, stressing that the House of Assembly seat should, according to the established understanding, remain the turn of Arogbo to produce the next representative.

He also appealed to political figures, including Hon. Toyin Allen, not to allow themselves to be drawn into actions that could threaten the existing harmony within the local government.

While reaffirming his commitment to protecting the arrangement alongside other leaders, Agboola urged all political stakeholders in Ese-Odo to place peace, unity, and collective interest above personal ambition.

He further cautioned that any attempt to undermine the established political understanding could trigger avoidable tension and disrupt the longstanding brotherhood between both communities.

The former deputy governor concluded by calling on politicians and community leaders to continue to play politics with fairness, respect for agreements, and commitment to peaceful coexistence for the progress and stability of Ese-Odo Local Government and future generations.