The North-East APC Support Groups are urging President Bola Tinubu to choose Yakubu Dogara as his running mate in 2027, NaijNaira can report.
The Guardian revealed that the former Speaker, who hails from Bauchi State and is a Christian, was picked by the coalition during a two-day meeting in Gombe.
The coalition stressed that Dogara’s leadership in the 8th Assembly was inclusive, with appointments spread across the North-East and Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
Coalition Chairman Sha’abdini Bello said, “Dogara is a unifying figure with a proven leadership record that brings people together from all backgrounds.”
Bello emphasized that Dogara’s selection is aimed at promoting national unity and inclusive governance in the coming administration.
The group made it clear that their loyalty to President Tinubu and APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje remains strong and unchanged.
They also urged the President to fast-track work on the Akwanga-Gombe Road, which is vital for connecting the North-East to Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.
The Kano APC swiftly dismissed claims that Ganduje is eyeing Vice President Kashim Shettima’s seat, calling such suggestions misleading.
Ahmed Aruwa, Kano APC Publicity Secretary, said, “The APC chairman has never discussed Shettima’s position and does not have such intentions.”
He clarified that the choice of running mate rests solely with the President, who has ample time to decide before the next election cycle.
Political analyst Prof. Kamilu Fagge from Bayero University, Kano, warned that the issue could hint at deeper rifts within the APC ahead of 2027.
Fagge explained that such divisions, if left unchecked, could open strategic opportunities for the opposition to exploit.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.