Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Auwal Mohammed Jatau, has denied explosive allegations that he slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a high-profile event at the Emir of Bauchi’s palace.
The rumour, which has spread rapidly across social media, as noted by WorldClass247Newa, has stirred significant controversy in political circles.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Muslim Lawal, the Deputy Governor dismissed the claims as “baseless and irresponsible,” questioning the credibility of those spreading the story.
“No, no—how can a deputy governor slap a minister?” Lawal said. “My principal is a responsible leader. Such an act is unthinkable in Bauchi. If there’s proof, let them speak. We stand firm: this never happened.”
The alleged incident was said to have occurred during last Thursday’s ceremonial events at the Emir’s palace, which included the turbaning of former Governor Muhammad Abdullahi Abubakar, as Makama Babba 1 of Bauchi Emirate, and the wedding Fatiha of his daughter, Khadija Muhammad. While some eyewitnesses reported visible tension among dignitaries, no concrete evidence has emerged to confirm the confrontation.
Adding to the intrigue, Minister Tuggar has remained silent on the matter. Repeated attempts to reach his office for comment have gone unanswered, fueling speculation over the nature of his relationship with the Deputy Governor and the potential political undertones of the rumour.
Analysts suggest the silence may be strategic, given the sensitive nature of Nigeria’s diplomatic and political landscape, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bauchi State has no doubt been a flashpoint for political rivalry, with tensions escalating ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Though Jatau and Tuggar have no known history of personal conflict, insiders hint that the rumour could be the byproduct of internal power struggles or calculated political mischief.