Dogara Breaks Silence on 2027 Vice-Presidential Speculations with Tinubu
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has publicly addressed the growing political chatter linking him to a potential vice-presidential slot alongside President Bola Tinubu ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections. In a candid television appearance, Dogara dismissed notions of perfection in leadership while reflecting on his extensive governance experience.
Leadership Built on Grace, Not Perfection
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Dogara emphasized that effective leadership and sustainable nation-building have never been exclusive domains of flawless individuals. "Leadership and nation-building are not reserved for perfect people," Dogara asserted, noting that throughout historical narratives, societies have been shaped and maintained by ordinary citizens with their share of imperfections.
The former Speaker, who once held the position of fourth-highest public officer in Nigeria during his tenure, acknowledged his own limitations despite his political pedigree. "I don't think I'm ever prepared for anything. What I know is that everything I am is by the grace of God," Dogara confessed, revealing a humble perspective on his capabilities.
Governance Experience and Political Positioning
Dogara highlighted how his time as Speaker exposed him to critical aspects of governance that remain inaccessible to most Nigerians. "There are certain things I know that a lot of people don't know," he stated, referencing the unique insights gained from occupying such elevated political office. His comments arrive amid intensifying political alignments and strategic positioning within the All Progressives Congress as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches.
The political discourse has been particularly focused on whether the ruling party might present another Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, following the current administration's configuration. Dogara's name has surfaced repeatedly in these conversations, prompting his detailed response to the speculation.
Advocating for Religious Balance in Political Representation
Beyond addressing the vice-presidential rumors, Dogara expanded the conversation to encompass broader issues of rotational presidency and religious representation in Nigeria's political landscape. He argued that discussions about power rotation should transcend mere geographical considerations to incorporate meaningful religious balance.
"If we are talking about rotational presidency, there is nothing stopping us from having that discussion as well," Dogara proposed, emphasizing the need for both Muslim and Christian communities to feel adequately represented in the nation's highest offices.
He elaborated on this perspective by stating: "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."
Democratic Consultation and Northern Unity
Dogara stressed that decisions regarding vice-presidential selections and party tickets should be guided by principles of justice and fairness rather than apprehension. He emphasized the importance of democratic consultations, particularly concerning the delicate matter of religious representation in the northern region.
"Ultimately whatever decisions that he takes, I believe that it is up to him, but if we have overwhelming majority of our people making a case that these things should be balanced, as a democrat, I sincerely believe that he will listen to it," Dogara remarked, referring to President Tinubu's potential considerations.
The former Speaker issued a particularly poignant warning about religious divisions in the north, stating: "Particularly for us northerners like me and you, I've always insisted that anybody who divides the north along religious lines has actually conquered the north." He reiterated that achieving religious equilibrium in political offices remains crucial for fostering cohesion and preventing faith-based fractures within the region.
Political Context and Broader Implications
Dogara's commentary emerges against a backdrop of increasing political maneuvering as various actors and parties begin early positioning for the 2027 elections. While acknowledging that serving presidents rarely lose party primaries in Nigeria's political history—suggesting Tinubu will likely secure the APC ticket—Dogara maintained that public opinion should significantly influence these critical decisions.
His remarks also indirectly reference previous statements where he expressed gratitude for not being selected as Tinubu's running mate in the 2023 elections, citing concerns about same-faith tickets potentially creating national crisis. This historical context adds depth to his current perspective on religious balance in political leadership.
As Nigeria navigates complex political calculations ahead of 2027, Dogara's intervention highlights several key considerations:
- The tension between political experience and personal humility in leadership selection
- The evolving debate around religious representation in a diverse democracy
- The strategic calculations within the ruling party regarding ticket composition
- The importance of northern unity in national political equations
These developments suggest that conversations around vice-presidential selections will continue to intensify as the 2027 elections draw nearer, with religious and regional balance remaining central to political negotiations and public discourse.
