The North-East Coalition of APC Support Groups has recommended the nomination of former Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as the running mate to President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Our correspondent reports that Dogara is a Christian northerner from Bauchi State and one of the proponents of the Muslim-Christian ticket.

The coalition chairman, Honourable Sha’abdini Bello, made the recommendation on Monday while reading a communique issued by the coalition members at the end of their two-day meeting held in Gombe, Gombe State.

According to him, the decision to endorse the former House of Representatives Speaker for the Vice Presidential position was in the interest of national unity, inclusive leadership and Dogara’s track record.

“The coalition strongly recommended Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former speaker of the House of Representatives, as a suitable candidate for Vice President in the 2027 elections.

“Dogara’s tenure in the 8th Assembly was marked by his inclusive leadership as evidenced by his appointments, which represented every state in the North-East and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. His proven track record as a unifying figure makes him a trusted and tested leader for the region and the nation,” he said.

The coalition reaffirmed its loyalty to President Tinubu and the APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, calling on members and stakeholders to uphold unity, discipline, and loyalty to the party’s ideals, “especially in this moment of Renewed Hope and National Rebirth.”

Furthermore, the coalition appealed to President Tinubu to expedite the procurement and implementation of the Akwanga-Gombe Road project, a critical infrastructure linking the North-East to Abuja and the rest of Nigeria.

The Guardian recalls that recently, there was uproar at the APC stakeholders meeting for the North-East attended by APC governors following the non-mention of Kassim Shettima by the national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, while endorsing Tinubu for a second term.

The development has sparked speculation that the President is seeking a new running mate.