Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has affirmed strong backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections, asserting that the president commands majority support across Nigeria even as minority dissenting voices persist in political discourse.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television's Sunday Politics program in Abuja on January 25, 2026, Dogara—once a prominent figure in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before aligning more closely with national unity efforts—highlighted the Tinubu administration's tangible achievements while stressing the importance of inclusivity, merit, and rotational equity in sustaining national cohesion.
Dogara addressed longstanding debates over the principle of rotational presidency between Nigeria's North and South, a practice informally observed since the return to democracy in 1999 to promote balance in a multi-ethnic federation. He dismissed arguments that rotation compromises merit and competence, stating: “The concern will always be that if you go for rotational presidency, then the thing you are compromising may be merit and competence. But that is not true, because there is hardly any area of human endeavour where you cannot find someone from the North who is competent or someone from the South who is competent. So I think we can jettison that argument.”
He invoked principles of indivisible justice, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “Justice to the North must be justice to the South. As Martin Luther King Jr said, justice is indivisible. Once we arrive at that conclusion, it becomes easier to modify and qualify this arrangement so there is no room for mistrust.” Dogara advocated for fair arrangements that foster trust and unity, without rigid exclusion of any region.
The interview coincided with broader political conversations ahead of 2027, including endorsements from former legislators and calls for constitutional entrenchment of rotation. Dogara referenced the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), which he recently attended, as a platform uniting ex-federal and state lawmakers, including senators, House members, state assembly members, and even councillors from Nigeria's 774 local government areas.
“The overriding purpose of establishing the forum is to harness all the skills members acquired while serving the nation and embedding themselves in the legislative process,” Dogara explained. “We feel we have a responsibility, especially now that democratic values all over the world are under threat, to come together, unite behind the ideals that brought us into politics, and speak with one voice.” The forum, he noted, seeks to leverage collective experience to defend democracy, promote good governance, and contribute constructively to national development.
Dogara pointed to specific interventions in Nigeria's North-East geopolitical zone as evidence of effective leadership under Tinubu. He recounted a personal visit to the Mandara Plateau in Taraba State, where the president initiated construction of a critical road linking Gembu (the administrative headquarters of Sardauna Local Government Area) to Yumguni, near the Cameroonian border. This project fulfills a longstanding promise dating back to the 1961 plebiscite that integrated the area into Nigeria.
“This was a region dominated by treacherous terrain. It used to take six hours from Gembu to the headquarters of Sardauna Local Government and to the Cameroonian border,” Dogara said. “When the road is completed, the journey will take about 45 minutes. That is leadership.” The initiative, part of Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, includes durable infrastructure designed for longevity, with related projects like the Gembu-Mbamnga road and bridge nearing completion or already accessible in phases, boosting connectivity, trade, and access to services in a historically underserved area.
On security, Dogara noted marked improvements in the North-East, where jihadist insurgencies by groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP have persisted since 2009. Enhanced military operations, community engagement, and infrastructure have contributed to relative stability in parts of the region, allowing displaced persons to return and economic activities to resume.
Dogara's endorsement aligns with other voices within political circles. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and some former governors have similarly urged support for Tinubu's re-election in 2027, emphasizing continuity for ongoing reforms. The APC's dominance, bolstered by defections like that of Kano Governor Abba Yusuf from the NNPP, has further strengthened the ruling party's position.
However, dissenting opinions exist. Some former National Assembly members have rejected blanket endorsements, advocating for opposition alternatives or stricter adherence to rotation principles. Critics argue that while infrastructure gains are visible, challenges like economic hardship, inflation, and insecurity in other zones warrant scrutiny. Dogara acknowledged minority voices but maintained that Tinubu's leadership enjoys broad acceptance, particularly for delivering on promises long neglected.
The former speaker distanced himself from speculation about replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima on the 2027 ticket, urging focus on the APC's future structure and national priorities over personal ambitions. He reiterated that his support stems from observed progress rather than partisan loyalty.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 polls, Dogara's comments underscore a push for unity, merit-based governance, and equitable power-sharing. The NFFL's role in amplifying former legislators' voices could influence policy debates, while regional projects like the Mandara road exemplify targeted development. Whether these efforts translate to sustained majority support will depend on continued delivery amid economic and security pressures.
