Northern Minority Forum Accuses Yakubu Dogara of Seeking Political Relevance Ahead of 2027
The Northern Minority Consultative Forum (NMCF) has accused the former Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, of attempting to reassert his political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Forum’s chairman, Daure David, alleged that Mr Dogara was promoting what he described as divisive narratives centered on power sharing and religion for personal political gain.
Mr David claimed that the former Speaker had opposed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and was now seeking renewed influence by raising controversial national issues.
He said this was evident in recent public comments made by Mr Dogara, including his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he called for greater justice and inclusiveness in political arrangements.
The Forum dismissed speculation that President Tinubu might replace Vice-President Kashim Shettima with a northern Christian running mate in 2027, describing the reports as politically motivated and potentially destabilizing.
Mr David said similar claims in the past including suggestions that Mr Dogara would be appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation, had failed to materialise.
The NMCF also criticized the recent endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the National Forum of Former Legislators at its 2026 national summit, arguing that the move reflected personal political interests rather than national unity or development.
It expressed concern that 17 former lawmakers later distanced themselves from the endorsement, a development it said was being exploited to fuel divisions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Defending Vice-President Shettima, the Forum described him as a loyal deputy who has carried out his duties effectively. It warned that calls for his replacement risked creating internal tensions within the APC.
The group further alleged that Mr Dogara had campaigned against the APC’s Muslim–Muslim presidential ticket among Christian communities during the 2023 elections and questioned his standing as a unifying political figure in the Northeast.
It also claimed that he supported opposition candidate Atiku Abubakar after failing to secure the vice-presidential nomination.
The Forum cautioned that attempts to exploit religious sentiment ahead of the 2027 elections could have serious political consequences, particularly in northern Nigeria, where voter support remains critical.
Mr Dogara has not publicly responded to the allegations. The BBC contacted his representatives for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.
