Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has dismissed speculations linking him to permutations over President Bola Tinubu’s possible running mate ahead of the 2027 general election, insisting that such decisions rest solely with the president.
Dogara made the remarks on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, while reacting to growing political discussions suggesting that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could be replaced on the ticket in 2027.
The former speaker, who is a Christian from northern Nigeria, stressed that issues of power-sharing, religion, and regional balance should be guided by justice, fairness, and inclusiveness rather than fear, pressure, or political intimidation.
Asked directly about claims that his name was being mentioned as a potential vice-presidential candidate, Dogara quickly distanced himself from the conversation.
“I would have sincerely pleaded with you to leave me out of this, but let me say something,” he said.
According to Dogara, decisions about leadership arrangements should be based on what is right for national unity and cohesion, not on who feels threatened or pressured.
“Whatever we are doing shouldn’t be because we are afraid of anybody breathing down our necks; it should be because it is the right thing to do,” he said.
He explained that inclusive governance requires deliberate efforts to bring all segments of the country together in a way that allows every group to feel represented and respected.
Dogara also weighed in on the debate around rotational presidency and religious balance, saying such discussions should not be limited to geography alone but should also reflect Nigeria’s religious diversity.
“If we are talking about rotational presidency, nothing stops us from also considering religious balance, because you are not just talking about northern Christians but the Christian faith as a whole,” he said.
He argued that religious representation should be seen broadly, noting that a Muslim candidate, whether from the North or South, represents the Muslim community, just as a Christian candidate represents the Christian faith, regardless of region.
“That way, you achieve a sense of balance,” Dogara said, adding that such decisions should be driven by moral conviction rather than fear.
“Justice demands balance. And if we are going to do anything along those lines, it should be because we believe it is what God requires of us, not because we are scared,” he added.
On whether the All Progressives Congress (APC) is already considering a Christian running mate for 2027, Dogara confirmed that conversations are ongoing within political circles.
“It’s a discussion, and I am aware that such discussions are already taking place,” he said.
However, he noted that as an incumbent president, Tinubu is almost certain to secure the party’s ticket, stressing that the final decision on a running mate belongs entirely to him.
“At the end of the day, whatever the president decides is his call. No serving president has ever lost a party primary,” Dogara said.
He expressed confidence that Tinubu, as a democrat, would listen to widespread public opinion if there is a strong demand for balance and inclusiveness.
Dogara also warned against exploiting religious differences in the North, saying such divisions weaken the region.
“For us northerners, anybody who divides the North along religious lines has already conquered the North,” he said.
