The All Progressives Congress Youth Parliament has described a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as a desperate politician who has lost relevance and is seeking to return to the political limelight ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said Dogara worked against President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and is now making divisive statements in a bid to reposition himself.
Speaking with journalists in Bauchi on Monday, the Chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Kobi, dismissed rumours that President Tinubu may replace Vice-President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian running mate in 2027, describing such speculation as dangerous, misleading and politically motivated.
Kobi said the Youth Parliament welcomed the endorsement of Tinubu for a second term by the National Forum of Former Legislators at its 2026 National Summit, describing it as a positive development for national growth and stability.
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He, however, expressed concern that 17 former members of the National Assembly later distanced themselves from the endorsement, an action he said was being exploited by some political actors to create confusion within the ruling party.
Reacting to Dogara’s comments on a Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, where the former Speaker called for justice and inclusiveness in power-sharing, Kobi accused him of pursuing personal ambition rather than national unity.
“All these statements made by Dogara are not driven by religious concerns or justice. He is simply seeking relevance for himself,” Kobi said.
“If progress is truly the goal, what exactly is wrong with the way the Tinubu/Shettima administration is being run? So much has already been achieved.”
Kobi warned that any attempt to replace Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections would be a grave political mistake that could cost the President massive support across the North, particularly in the North-East.
He described the Vice-President as a unifying figure who has faithfully discharged his responsibilities and played a key role in Tinubu’s victory in 2023.
“Senator Kashim Shettima delivered votes for Tinubu in 2023 even before becoming Vice-President. Now that he is in office, he will do even more to ensure a resounding victory in 2027,” he added.
The APC Youth Parliament chairman further alleged that some of those pushing the replacement narrative neither contributed to the party’s success in 2023 nor supported Tinubu’s candidacy at the time.
He said undermining Shettima’s position would not only divide the APC but also alienate millions of Northern voters whose support remains critical to the party’s electoral fortunes.
Kobi warned that the group would resist any move aimed at weakening the Vice-President or creating disunity within the party.
