The political landscape in Nigeria is rife with speculation and strategic maneuvers as the 2027 general elections approach. A significant development emerged from the North-East Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups, which has formally recommended former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as President Bola Tinubu’s running mate. This proposal suggests a potential replacement for the incumbent Vice President, Kashim Shettima, ahead of the next electoral cycle.

This recommendation follows a tumultuous North-East zonal meeting of the APC, which concluded in disarray. Accusations were leveled against the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and his team for allegedly deliberately shunning Vice President Shettima while endorsing President Tinubu’s second term. However, the Kano State chapter of the APC swiftly refuted these claims, denying that Ganduje harbors intentions of vying for Shettima’s seat. Instead, Rabiu Kwankwaso’s supporters were implicated, accused of exaggerating the situation and attempting to exploit perceived loopholes within the APC.

Yakubu Dogara, a Christian from Bauchi State, is notably a proponent of the Muslim-Christian ticket, a stance that aligns with the coalition’s emphasis on national unity and inclusive leadership. Sha’abdini Bello, chairman of the North-East Coalition, formally announced Dogara’s endorsement at the conclusion of their two-day meeting in Gombe, Gombe State. The decision, as articulated by the coalition members, stems from a commitment to foster national unity, promote inclusive leadership, and leverage Dogara’s distinguished track record.

Dogara’s tenure as Speaker during the 8th Assembly was highlighted as a period marked by exemplary inclusive leadership. His appointments, which consciously represented every state in the North-East and all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, exemplify his capacity as a unifying figure. The coalition described him as a seasoned national figure whose balanced appointments and bridge-building efforts make him a trusted and tested leader, well-suited to complement President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. They asserted that Dogara’s emergence as Vice President would not only energize the APC’s base in the North-East but also reinforce national cohesion.

Beyond the specific endorsement, the North-East Coalition reiterated its unwavering commitment to the supremacy of the APC and declared total loyalty to the party’s national leadership under Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. They urged all members and stakeholders to uphold unity, discipline, and loyalty to the party’s ideals, particularly in the current period of “Renewed Hope and National Rebirth.” The group also commended President Tinubu for fostering inclusive governance and appealed to his administration to broaden its engagement with technocrats and patriotic Nigerians who embody a national perspective and intellectual capacity.

In a crucial demand for equitable development, the Coalition called for the immediate acceleration of the Akwanga-Gombe Road project. This infrastructure, described as a strategic link between the North-East and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is critical for regional connectivity. They emphasized that timely procurement and construction of this road would underscore the administration’s commitment to balanced infrastructural development across all regions. Furthermore, the Coalition took a firm stance against internal party factions, specifically condemning the ‘Pro-Arewa Group’ for allegedly pursuing personal interests at the expense of regional and national progress.

Addressing the ongoing controversies, Ahmed Aruwa, Kano APC Publicity Secretary, clarified that the APC chairman has never expressed a desire for Shettima’s seat. He stated that the Vice President’s position is ultimately determined by the President, and there is ample time for such decisions. However, political analyst Prof. Kamilu Fagge of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), offered a more cautionary perspective. He suggested that the recent incidents signify deeper, underlying problems within the APC, which could potentially lead to significant challenges ahead of the 2027 polls. Prof. Fagge warned that while there is still time, the current situation could signal a crack within the party that the opposition might exploit.