Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has appealed to the public to exclude him from speculations suggesting he could replace Vice President Kashim Shettima as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate ahead of the 2027 election.
Dogara’s statement came amid growing rumours that the All Progressives Congress (APC) may again field a Muslim–Muslim ticket in 2027.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dogara urged that the debate should focus on what is right for the nation rather than being driven by fear or pressure.
“I would have sincerely pleaded with you to leave me out of this, but let me say something. 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 emphasised the need for an inclusive government that brings all Nigerians together, saying that discussions around religious balance and rotational presidency should not be avoided.
“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.
“So, if we are talking about rotational presidency, there is nothing stopping us from having that discussion as well, because you are not just talking about Northern Christians but about the Christian faith as a whole,” he added.
Dogara explained that for true religious balance, representation should not be based on region but on faith.
“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,” he said.
On the possibility of a Christian running mate in 2027, Dogara acknowledged ongoing discussions but said the final decision would rest with President Tinubu.
“It’s a discussion, and I am aware that such discussions are already taking place.
“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,” he said.