The Arewa Dignity Advancement Initiative (ArDA) has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint former Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, as a minister from Bauchi North Senatorial District to replace the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, “in the interest of justice, fairness, and equity.”
Tuggar resigned from his position as minister to contest for the Bauchi State governorship seat.
In an open letter signed by its Chairperson, Hajiya Baheejah Mahmood Abdullahi, ArDA described itself as a non-partisan, non-governmental organisation committed to promoting justice, equity, inclusive governance, national unity, sustainable development, and constructive civic engagement across Northern Nigeria.
Baheejah said ArDA continues to monitor governance, public policy implementation, and the distribution of democratic dividends across the federation with objectivity and patriotism.
“As stakeholders in the Nigerian project and advocates of inclusive representation, we consider it our civic responsibility to draw Your Excellency’s attention to a matter that has generated deep concern among the people of Bauchi North Senatorial Zone,” she said.
“The recent resignation of Hon. Yusuf Tuggar, who hails from Bauchi North, has created a vacancy in what was widely regarded as the only significant federal executive representation presently enjoyed by the entire zone under the current administration.”
She added: “Your Excellency, while we acknowledge and appreciate the Renewed Hope agenda and your efforts toward national development, we respectfully observe that Bauchi North has been largely excluded from major federal and Renewed Hope appointments. This has created a growing perception of marginalisation and political imbalance within Bauchi State.”
To illustrate the concern, she listed current appointments from Bauchi State as follows:
Bauchi Central: Hon. Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; SA to the President on Political and Intergovernmental Affairs
Bauchi South: SSA to the President on Community Engagement (North-East); APC State Chairman, Hon. Hassan Tilde; 2027 Governorship Candidate, Barr. Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (SAN); North-East Coordinator, Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Malam Isa Yuguda; Bauchi State Coordinator, Renewed Hope Agenda, Alh. Bala Hadis; Bauchi State Coordinator, City Boy Movement, Hon. Jafar Dass; APC National Auditor, Sen. Abubakar Maikafi; Chairman, Reconciliation Committee; and Chairman, Board of Directors, National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara
Baheejah noted that while the group appreciates every opportunity given to indigenes of Bauchi State to serve, “certain categories of appointments do not provide the same level of direct developmental impact, executive influence, employment opportunities, or policy benefits to the ordinary people as substantive ministerial and executive appointments.”
She cited examples such as chairmen of federal boards and parastatals, and members of governing councils of federal institutions.
“From our assessment as an independent civic organisation, the concentration of appointments outside Bauchi North Senatorial Zone has left the zone without commensurate federal representation, despite its substantial contribution to the electoral strength, political stability, and democratic support base of the ruling administration,” she said.
Against this background, ArDA appealed to the President to consider Mallam Adamu Adamu as the most suitable replacement for the vacant ministerial position previously occupied by Hon. Yusuf Tuggar.
“Your Excellency, I need not extensively introduce Mallam Adamu Adamu to you. He is a nationally respected statesman, seasoned politician, former Honourable Minister of the Federal Republic, and a loyal party man whose record of service, dedication, administrative experience, and political capacity is well known across Nigeria,” she said.
According to her, Adamu possesses: proven loyalty to the party and leadership, exceptional political experience and maturity, demonstrated administrative competence, strong grassroots acceptance and influence, the ability to mobilise, unite, and deliver results as well as a reputation for integrity, resilience, and responsible leadership
“Most importantly, his appointment would serve as a practical demonstration of Your Excellency’s commitment to fairness, inclusion, and balanced political accommodation. It would reassure the people of Bauchi North that they remain valued partners in the Renewed Hope project and that no zone is intentionally sidelined in the distribution of federal opportunities,” she added.
Baheejah said the appeal was based on the principles of federal character, equity and justice, political balancing, inclusive governance, and national cohesion and stability.
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to critically review the overall distribution of federal appointments relating to Bauchi State, with particular attention to the conspicuous absence of Bauchi North in key strategic positions,” she said. “Granting this request by appointing Mallam Adamu Adamu would not only correct an existing imbalance but also strengthen confidence in the fairness and responsiveness of the Renewed Hope administration.”
She concluded: “The people of Bauchi North Senatorial Zone are law-abiding, loyal, and committed supporters of the Nigerian state. They seek neither undue advantage nor preferential treatment; they seek only fairness, recognition, inclusion, and equitable participation in the affairs of the nation.
On behalf of concerned stakeholders, community voices, and citizens who believe in a united and inclusive Nigeria, I most respectfully appeal to Your Excellency to give this request your kind, urgent, and favourable consideration.”
