ABUJA — Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has formally dismissed growing political speculation linking him to a potential move to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima on the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on January 25, 2026, Dogara urged Nigerians and political stakeholders to exclude him from the intensifying debate regarding the APC’s future leadership structure. His comments follow a wave of internal party discussions over whether the ruling party should retain its controversial “Muslim-Muslim” ticket or pivot toward a more religiously balanced configuration in the next general election.
Addressing the sensitivity of Nigeria’s religious and regional diversity, the former Speaker emphasized that the country’s stability depends on a government that prioritizes inclusion. He argued that decisions concerning the presidency should be based on “what is right” for the nation’s unity rather than political fear or external pressure.
“Nigeria needs an inclusive government that brings everyone together, regardless of religion or region,” Dogara stated. He noted that conversations regarding rotational presidency and religious balance are already occurring within the APC, with some factions advocating for a Christian running mate to better reflect the nation’s pluralistic nature.
Explaining his stance on representation, Dogara noted that if a Muslim is chosen for a high office, they should be seen as representing the Muslim community, and the same principle must apply to Christian candidates. However, he remained pragmatic about the power dynamics of the incumbency, noting that the final decision on a running mate rests entirely with President Bola Tinubu. He further pointed out that in Nigeria’s democratic history, no sitting president has ever failed to secure their party’s nomination for a second term.
While Dogara has been a vocal advocate for religious equity in governance since the 2023 cycle, his definitive “I am not interested” serves as a significant check on regional permutations that had positioned him as a leading candidate to join the President on a revised 2027 ticket. As of Monday, January 26, 2026, the APC National Secretariat has not issued a formal statement on the matter, as the party continues to navigate the complex internal demands for regional and religious inclusion.
