Yakubu Dogara, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, has dismissed speculations linking him to the 2027 vice-presidential race, insisting that President Bola Tinubu alone will decide what is best for the country.
Dogara made the remarks on Sunday Politics, a Channels Television programme, amid reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could be replaced ahead of the next general election.
The former speaker stressed that decisions on power-sharing and religious balance should be driven by justice, fairness and inclusiveness, not fear or political pressure.
Asked about claims that his name was being considered as a possible running mate, Dogara said he would rather not be drawn into the discussion.
“I would have sincerely pleaded that you leave me out of this, but let me say this,” he said. “Whatever we do should not be because we are afraid of anyone or under pressure, but because it is the right thing to do.”
He said governance should be anchored on unity and equity to build a nation that works for all citizens.
“We are talking about running an inclusive government, bringing everyone together so that Nigeria can work for all of us,” Dogara added.
On rotational presidency and religious balance, Dogara said such discussions should take into account broader national and faith considerations.
“If we are talking about rotational presidency, there is nothing wrong with that conversation,” he said. “But it is not just about northern Christians; it is about the Christian faith as a whole.
“If you have a Muslim, whether from the North or South, let him represent the Muslim community. And if you have a Christian, wherever he comes from, he represents the Christian faith. That way, religious balance is achieved.”
Dogara maintained that balancing power should be a matter of justice rather than fear.
“We should not act out of fear. Justice demands balance, and that should be our guiding principle,” he said.
Speaking on the possibility of the All Progressives Congress (APC) fielding a Christian running mate in 2027, Dogara confirmed that discussions were ongoing.
“It is a discussion, and I am aware that such conversations are already taking place,” he said.
He added that President Tinubu is expected to secure the party’s ticket, noting that no sitting president has ever lost a party primary.
“At the end of the day, whatever decision the president takes is his to make. But if there is an overwhelming call from the people for balance, I believe, as a democrat, he will listen,” Dogara said.
He also cautioned against dividing the North along religious lines, describing such moves as harmful to unity.
“For us northerners, I have always said that anyone who divides the North along religious lines has effectively weakened the region,” he added.
