The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, stated that decisions regarding power-sharing and religious balance should be guided by justice rather than fear or political pressure.
Dogara made these remarks during the ‘Sunday Politics’ program on Channels Television, amid speculation that Vice President Kashim Shettima might be dropped as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 general election.
The Christian politician emphasised that governance should prioritise inclusiveness and fairness to build a nation that works for everyone.
Asked about claims that he was being considered as a potential running mate for the president’s re-election bid, Dogara responded, “Leave me out of this.” He also mentioned that discussions surrounding a rotational presidency should take into account broader religious considerations.
“I would have sincerely pleaded with you to leave me out of this, but let me say something,” Dogara said. “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.
“We are talking about running an inclusive government, bringing everybody in this country together, so that we can build a nation that works for all of us.”
“We are talking about running an inclusive government, bringing everybody in this country together, so that we can build a nation that works for all of us.” Dogara said discussions around rotational presidency should also accommodate broader religious considerations.
Dogara said discussions around rotational presidency should also accommodate broader religious considerations.
“So, if we are talking about rotational presidency, nothing is stopping us from having that discussion as well, because you are not just talking about northern Christians but about the Christian faith as a whole, ” he said., “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.
“But honestly, if we’re going to do anything along those lines, it shouldn’t be that we are scared, but because, as men of it, we believe that God requires of us to do justice., “And justice demands that we should balance things. I think that should be our concern.”,
Speaking on the possibility of the APC fielding a Christian running mate in 2027, Dogara said the issue is being discussed. “It’s a discussion, and I am aware that such discussions are already taking place, ” he said.
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