2027: Dogara dismisses VP slot talk, urges inclusive leadership

 

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has distanced himself from speculations linking him to a possible replacement of Vice President Kashim Shettima ahead of the 2027 general election.

Dogara urged political actors and commentators to exclude his name from the ongoing debate within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the composition of President Bola Tinubu’s next presidential ticket.

He spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics against the backdrop of renewed arguments on whether the ruling party should retain or jettison the Muslim–Muslim ticket in 2027.

According to him, decisions on leadership arrangements must be guided by fairness, justice and national cohesion, rather than fear or political pressure.

“I would have sincerely pleaded that my name be left out of this discussion. But let me say this: whatever we are doing should not be because we are afraid of anyone or because of pressure. It should be because it is the right thing to do,” Dogara said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s diversity demands an inclusive governance structure capable of uniting citizens across religious and regional divides.

“We are talking about building an inclusive government that brings everyone together so we can build a nation that works for all,” he added.

Dogara noted that discussions on rotational presidency and religious balance should be approached with openness, pointing out that the issue goes beyond Northern Christians alone.

“If you are talking about religious balance, then a Muslim, whether from the North or South, represents the Muslim community, while a Christian, wherever he comes from, represents the Christian faith. That way, balance is achieved,” he explained.

On the possibility of the APC fielding a Christian vice-presidential candidate in 2027, Dogara said the matter remains a subject of internal party discussions.

“It is an ongoing conversation, and I am aware that such discussions are already taking place,” he said.

However, he maintained that the final decision would rest with President Tinubu, noting that no sitting president has ever failed to secure his party’s presidential ticket.

“At the end of the day, the president will have the final say. Historically, no sitting president has lost his party’s primaries. We therefore assume the president will secure the ticket,” Dogara stated.