By: Daure David
In the intricate world of Nigerian politics, no story is ever truly complete without the twists and turns of power plays, alliances, and rivalries. The recent political maneuvers involving former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, have set the stage for yet another complex chapter in northern Minorities political history. With his strategic positioning as a representative of Northern minority tribes, Dogara has found himself at the center of a heated political battle that stretches far beyond the borders of his home state.
From Anti-Muslim/Muslim Ticket Advocate to Minority Tribal Champion
Yakubu Dogara’s political journey has been anything but ordinary. He is perhaps most well-known for his stance during the 2019 elections when he vigorously opposed the Muslim/Muslim presidential ticket, signaling his concerns about the potential consequences of such a pairing for Nigeria’s unity and social cohesion. His vocal opposition to the ticket made him a prominent figure in political discussions, especially in the context of Nigeria’s diverse religious and ethnic landscape.
In recent times, however, Dogara has shifted his political focus, positioning himself as an advocate for Northern minority Christian tribes and a left-wing voice for the people of his region. This shift in political direction has raised eyebrows and caught the attention of political observers both in Bauchi and across the country. Sources indicate that Dogara has agreed to play a pivotal role in advancing the interests of Northern Christian minority groups, particularly in the context of political negotiations and power-sharing deals.
Dogara’s new role has come in the form of an alliance with some factions of some Christian Association of Nigeria groups, where he has seemingly become a key figure in promoting the rights and political voice of Christian communities in the north. This move, though seemingly motivated by the desire to address perceived marginalization, has also been strategically linked to an ongoing negotiation concerning the replacement of the current Vice President Kashim, which has stirred considerable interest among the political elite.
Political Bargaining and the Replacement of the Vice President
One of the more intriguing developments surrounding Dogara’s recent political actions is the promise of a political deal concerning the replacement of the current Vice President. Sources reveal that Dogara, through his connections with some Christian Association groups and some northern Christian elites, is being courted for his support in the broader political game. The deal, as speculated, involves Dogara’s backing for the candidacy of a new Vice President in exchange for securing the political future of Bauchi’s minority groups.
However, this arrangement is not without its complications. In a rapidly shifting political environment, it seems that Dogara’s strategic maneuvering has raised tensions with other influential political figures. Among these figures is a prominent Kanuri politician who has reportedly expressed strong opposition to any potential moves to replace the current Vice President in a manner that would undermine the interests of his own ethnic group and Northern Nigeria. The Kanuri man, according to sources, has threatened to leave the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and join the Social Democratic Party (SDP) should this move gain traction.
A Tangled Web of Promises and Betrayals
This situation has made clear the fragility of alliances within Nigerian politics, where deals and promises can often turn into fragile agreements that easily collapse under pressure. The promises made to Dogara, and the complicated nature of the political game in the North, have sparked fears of deeper fractures within the PDP. Sources close to the Kanuri politician suggest that there is deep dissatisfaction with the perceived sidelining of certain ethnic groups in favor of a more centralized power structure, and should Dogara’s alliances result in any significant shift in the power dynamics, the Kanuri man is prepared to take drastic action.
Meanwhile, the North Central governor of the PDP is also facing the consequences of similar political maneuvering. According to insiders, the governor has been led to believe that his allegiance to the PDP would guarantee him a favorable position within the APC, which is seen as a potential political lifeline. However, it appears that this promise was more of a ruse designed to keep him loyal, and with the potential for such a betrayal, the governor may be reconsidering his political options.
However, Governor Bala’s position could also be under threat as Dogara’s political alignment gains traction among certain factions of the PDP. While the Governor has been a steady leader for PDP and Nigeria, his relationship with key figures within the region, including Dogara, has always been tenuous at best. The political threat posed by Dogara’s new alliances, along with the shifting allegiances of the North Central PDP governor, could signal a potential shift in the state’s political structure.
The Christian Association Groups and Its Role in Northern Politics
The involvement of the Christian Association Groups in this ongoing political drama cannot be overstated. As a key player in the north, Christian Groups has long been seen as a crucial mediator between different ethnic and religious groups. In this context, it appears that Dogara has sought to leverage his relationships within CAN to push for greater political representation for northern Christians, especially in light of the alleged marginalization of the group in national politics.
Dogara’s role as a spokesperson for northern Christians may provide him with the political capital to demand significant concessions from both the PDP and APC. However, his alignment with Christian Groups comes with risks. The association’s political clout can easily be both a boon and a burden, depending on the direction in which the political winds blow.
The Path Forward: A Political Tightrope Walk
As the political drama unfolds in Nigeria and across the north, one thing is certain: the political landscape is becoming increasingly polarized. Yakubu Dogara, once seen as a prominent figure within the PDP, now finds himself walking a tightrope, balancing the interests of Northern minority tribes with the complex web of political deals and promises made at the highest levels.
With tensions rising, alliances shifting, and betrayal lurking in the wings, Dogara’s next move will be critical in determining not just his political future, but the fate of many others within the broader PDP and Northern politics. How he navigates these challenges will likely have long-term implications for both the northern Minorities irrespective religion or tribe and the broader political ecosystem of the north.
In the end, Dogara’s shifting political allegiances and the resulting tensions within the APC signal that Nigerian politics remains as unpredictable and volatile as ever. What is clear, however, is that the political game in the North and across the Nigeria is far from over, and the players involved are preparing for a showdown that could reshape the future of Nigerian politics.
