Dogara Declines Speculation on Replacing Shettima, Calls for Inclusive Leadership in 2027

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has asked to be excluded from speculations suggesting he could replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on Sunday, Dogara emphasized that discussions on leadership positions should prioritize inclusion and national unity rather than fear or political pressure.

“I would have sincerely pleaded with you to leave me out of this, but let me say soing. 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.

Dogara stressed the importance of an inclusive government that represents the country across religious and regional lines. He highlighted the principle of rotational presidency, noting that leadership should reflect both Muslim and Christian communities fairly, regardless of geographic origin.

“We are talking about running an inclusive government, bringing everybody in this country together, so that we can build a nation that works for all of us,” he said. “If you have a Muslim, whether he comes from the North or the South, let it be that he is representing the Muslim community. And if you have a Christian, wherever he comes from, he represents the Christian faith. That way, you achieve religious balance.”

Regarding the possibility of a Christian running mate for the APC in 2027, Dogara confirmed that discussions are ongoing within the party but emphasized that the final decision rests with President Tinubu. He noted that historically, no sitting president in Nigeria has failed to secure their party’s presidential ticket.

“At the end of the day, whatever the president decides, nobody who is a serving president has ever lost the party primaries. So, we assume that the president will get the party’s ticket,” Dogara added.