There was high drama on Friday at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi as the state’s Deputy Governor, Auwal Jatau, allegedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated confrontation that stunned dignitaries and guests at a public event.
The incident occurred during the turbaning ceremony of former Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar, who was honoured with the traditional title of *Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate*. The event also doubled as the wedding celebration of Abubakar’s daughter, Khadija Mohammed. It was a day expected to be full of celebration, but the altercation between two top government officials overshadowed the ceremonies.
The event was attended by several high-profile guests, including Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, among others. The unexpected altercation left many in shock, particularly due to the presence of such senior political leaders and traditional rulers.
Eyewitnesses said trouble began when Minister Tuggar reportedly made some harsh remarks about the Bala Mohammed-led administration in Bauchi State. The Deputy Governor, who was representing the Governor at the event, took serious offence.
“The Deputy Governor was visibly furious. He stood up and confronted the minister. Before anyone knew what was happening, he slapped him,” said one eyewitness who asked not to be named.
According to sources, the situation could have escalated into a physical fight, but Vice President Shettima quickly intervened and calmed both parties. Security operatives and palace officials also stepped in to prevent further embarrassment.
The clash is believed to be linked to a longstanding political rivalry between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Both men are influential political figures from Bauchi State, but they belong to opposing political camps. While Governor Mohammed is a leading member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Minister Tuggar is an ally of President Bola Tinubu and a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In January, during an interview on Channels Television’s *Sunday Politics*, Tuggar accused Governor Bala Mohammed of using President Tinubu’s tax reform policy to promote his own presidential ambition for the 2027 general elections.
“Governor Bala Mohammed showed clearly that he did not have any sincerity of purpose. He used the tax bill debate to jumpstart his presidential campaign,” the minister had said during the interview.
This comment did not sit well with the Bauchi State Government. The Governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, fired back, describing the minister’s statement as “opportunistic and undiplomatic.” Gamawa also accused Tuggar of being absent in his duties as Foreign Minister and of failing to improve Nigeria’s image abroad.
“Tuggar’s ambition to run for governor in 2027 is the real reason behind these constant attacks,” Gamawa stated. “But maligning a performing governor won’t help him. His poor performance in foreign affairs has already weakened our diplomatic ties, especially across Africa.”
Political analysts say the latest development may deepen the divide within Bauchi State’s political landscape. The alleged physical assault is not only an embarrassment to the state but also a reflection of how deeply personal and tense the political rivalry has become.
“This is more than just a political disagreement,” said Dr. Ibrahim Musa, a political science lecturer at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. “It’s a power struggle between two heavyweights who are eyeing bigger positions in 2027. Sadly, the people of Bauchi are the ones who will suffer if this crisis continues.”
As of the time of this report, neither the Bauchi State Government nor the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued an official statement regarding the incident. Calls and messages sent to their respective spokespersons went unanswered.
Attempts to get a response from Minister Tuggar’s media aide were also unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor’s office has remained silent, with sources close to the government house saying “there is no comment for now.”
Political violence and open confrontations among Nigerian leaders have become a growing concern. While public disagreements and rivalries are not new in the country’s political scene, physical altercations at public functions are rare and often frowned upon.
The fact that such a clash occurred during a respected traditional event, in the presence of top national leaders and traditional rulers, is especially troubling to many observers.
“What message are we sending to the younger generation?” asked Hajiya Fatima Yakubu, a community leader in Bauchi. “If leaders cannot control their tempers and respect the culture and tradition of the land, then we are heading in the wrong direction.”
It remains to be seen whether any disciplinary or legal action will be taken in response to the incident. Analysts say the silence from both the state and federal government may be an attempt to manage the fallout quietly, without further embarrassment.
