Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
Former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara has urged that decisions on power-sharing and religious representation in the nation’s political leadership be anchored in justice, fairness and national unity rather than fear, political pressure or narrow calculations. His remarks came during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, as debate intensifies over the ruling All Progressives Congress’s (APC) choice of running mate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Addressing growing speculation that Vice-President Kashim Shettima could be replaced on President Bola Tinubu’s ticket, Dogara sought to distance himself from the unfolding conversation. He asked to be “left out of this,” stressing that his involvement in discussions about replacing the vice-presidential candidate was not something he sought. He repeated his conviction that national leadership decisions should be grounded in what is right for Nigeria’s long-term unity, not driven by fear of criticism, political pressure or sectional appeals.
In his comments, Dogara underscored the importance of inclusivity in governance and the need for political arrangements that reflect the country’s diverse religious landscape. While acknowledging that conversations about the composition of the ticket were ongoing within party circles, he emphasised that such discussions — whether about rotational presidency or religious representation — should be motivated by justice and fairness. “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, articulating a broader principle of national cohesion over political expediency.
Reflecting on the significance of religious balance, Dogara argued that in a nation as plural as Nigeria, leadership should strive to accommodate and symbolise the major faith communities. He noted that discussions about rotational presidency or ticket composition go beyond regional considerations and should encompass substantive representation of both Christian and Muslim communities. According to him, this approach would help build a government that is seen to belong to all citizens, rather than one shaped primarily by strategic calculations or electoral fear.
“Bringing everybody in this country together so that we can build a nation that works for all of us” was a recurring theme in Dogara’s remarks, which were framed against the backdrop of the APC’s internal debates over whether to retain the current Muslim–Muslim composition of the top ticket or opt for a different configuration that might offer broader religious representation. He suggested that if there is a strong and widely held call from the populace for balance, democratic leaders should be willing to heed such demands — not out of fear, but because it is the right thing to do in the pursuit of justice and unity.
While addressing these issues, the former Speaker also clarified that he was not personally seeking the vice-presidential nomination. Instead, he reiterated his broader belief in inclusive governance that reflects Nigeria’s plural identity. Observers see his stance as part of a wider conversation within Nigerian politics about how best to balance electoral strategy with the imperative for national unity in a society marked by deep religious and ethnic diversity.
Dogara’s intervention comes as political actors and civil society groups continue to debate the implications of ticket balance for the APC and for national cohesion. Some commentators have voiced concerns that maintaining a Muslim–Muslim ticket could alienate significant segments of the electorate and reinforce perceptions of exclusion, particularly among Christian communities. Others argue that electoral calculations must be sensitive to Nigeria’s complex social fabric, where regional, religious and ethnic considerations intersect in shaping voter expectations.
Despite the controversy, there are indications that key decisions on ticket composition will ultimately rest with President Tinubu, who, as the incumbent, is widely expected to secure his party’s nomination for re-election. Dogara himself acknowledged that historically, serving presidents have not lost their party primaries, and he expressed confidence that the final choice of running mate will align with both strategic considerations and broader calls for balance.
Political analysts note that the debate over religious balance and inclusivity in Nigeria’s political leadership reflects deeper questions about governance in a diverse society. Balancing representation in national offices — whether in terms of religion, region or ethnicity — has long been a sensitive and consequential aspect of Nigerian politics. Dogara’s comments contribute to this ongoing national dialogue, emphasizing justice and unity as guiding principles amid competing political pressures.
His emphasis on grounding leadership decisions in fairness rather than expedience resonates with broader concerns among segments of the populace who believe that inclusive governance is essential for long-term stability and credibility in Nigeria’s democratic process. As the 2027 general election approaches, debates over ticket configuration, religious balance and national unity are likely to remain at the centre of political discourse.
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