By Muhammad Mamman
Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has urged political actors to stop dragging his name into permutations over President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general election, insisting that the decision rests squarely with the President.
Speaking on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, Dogara cautioned against reducing governance to speculative power-sharing arrangements, saying questions of religious balance and political inclusion should be guided by justice, fairness and national interest—not fear or pressure.
His comments come amid growing speculation that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could be replaced on President Tinubu’s ticket ahead of the next election, with intense debates focusing on zoning and faith considerations.
Dogara, a Christian-born politician from Bauchi State, said such conversations often miss the bigger picture of nation-building. According to him, Nigeria’s leadership choices should prioritise competence, inclusiveness and equity, rather than being driven by anxiety or political brinkmanship.
He stressed that President Tinubu, as leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is best positioned to determine what serves the country and the party, adding that external pressure or premature calculations only distract from the real task of governance.
Dogara also called for a more mature political culture, urging leaders and commentators to focus on policies that unite Nigerians and strengthen institutions, rather than fuelling divisive narratives ahead of 2027.
