There was some drama at the Emir’s Palace in Bauchi on Friday when Deputy Governor Auwal Jatau reportedly slapped the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a heated argument.

The incident happened during a big event — the turbaning of former Bauchi Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar as Makama Babba 1 of the Bauchi Emirate. The event also included his daughter’s wedding and was attended by top political leaders like Vice President Kashim Shettima and Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

Eyewitnesses say the argument started after Minister Tuggar allegedly made harsh remarks about Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration. Deputy Governor Jatau didn’t take it well and reacted strongly. One source said the situation could have gotten worse if Vice President Shettima hadn’t stepped in quickly.

This clash seems to be part of an ongoing political fight between Minister Tuggar and Governor Bala Mohammed. Tuggar has criticized the PDP-led government in Bauchi several times.

Earlier this year, Tuggar accused the governor of using President Tinubu’s tax reform plans to begin his own 2027 presidential campaign. He said Bala Mohammed had no sincere purpose and was just using the tax issue for political gain.

In response, the governor’s Chief of Staff, Aminu Gamawa, said Tuggar’s comments were selfish and not respectful. He accused the minister of trying to gain favor with the Tinubu government and of planning to run for Bauchi governor in 2027. Gamawa also criticized Tuggar’s performance as a minister, saying it has weakened Nigeria’s image in Africa.

At the time of writing, no official statement has been released by the Bauchi State Government or the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.