By Rauf Oyewole
The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament has launched a scathing attack on the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, describing him as a desperate politician seeking relevance through divisive rumours ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group dismissed speculations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is planning to replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian running mate, labeling the rumours as dangerous, misleading, and politically motivated.
Addressing journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, the Chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Garba Kobi, alleged that Dogara who he claimed worked against the APC in the 2023 elections is now exploiting recent political endorsements to create confusion within the ruling party.
Kobi was reacting to Dogara’s recent interview on Channels Television, where the former Speaker called for justice and inclusiveness in power-sharing.
Kobi argued that Dogara’s stance was driven by personal ambition rather than national interest.
“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.”
The Youth Parliament noted that while it welcomed the recent endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), it was concerned that 17 former lawmakers, including Dogara, had distanced themselves from the move to sow discord.
Kobi warned that any attempt to drop Vice President Shettima in 2027 would be a grave political mistake that could cost the President massive support in the North, particularly in the North-East.
“Senator Kashim Shettima has proven himself to be an effective Vice President who has faithfully discharged his responsibilities. Those calling for his replacement are only trying to create crisis within the APC,” he stated.
He described Shettima as the most unifying political figure in the North-East and a bridge-builder who delivered votes for the party in 2023.
Kobi added that undermining Shettima would alienate millions of voters and attract the wrath of the youth group.
“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,” Kobi concluded.