The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Parliament has described former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, as a politician struggling for relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group accused Dogara of working against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and now attempting to regain political attention through what it described as divisive statements capable of destabilising the ruling party.
Speaking to journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday, Chairman of the APC Youth Parliament, Kabiru Garba Kobi, dismissed speculations that President Tinubu may replace Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian running mate in 2027, describing such rumours as dangerous, misleading, and politically motivated.
Kobi said the youth body welcomed the recent endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) at its 2026 National Summit, describing the move as a positive signal for national stability and continuity.
However, he expressed concern over the decision of 17 former National Assembly members to distance themselves from the endorsement, noting that some political actors were exploiting the development to sow confusion within the APC.
Reacting to Dogara’s remarks during a Channels Television programme, Sunday Politics, where the former Speaker called for justice and inclusiveness in power-sharing, Kobi accused him of advancing personal ambition rather than promoting national unity.
“All these statements attributed to Dogara are not driven by justice or religious considerations. They are clearly aimed at keeping himself politically relevant,” Kobi said.
He questioned the basis of the criticisms, arguing that the Tinubu/Shettima administration had recorded significant achievements since assuming office.
Kobi warned that any attempt to replace Vice President Shettima ahead of the 2027 elections would amount to a grave political error that could cost President Tinubu massive support in the North, particularly the North-East.
According to him, Shettima has remained a loyal, effective, and unifying Vice President who continues to play a strategic role in bridging the North-East with other regions of the country.
“Shettima delivered votes for Tinubu in 2023 even before becoming Vice President. Now in office, his influence will be even stronger ahead of 2027,” he added.
The APC Youth Parliament Chairman further alleged that some individuals pushing the replacement narrative neither supported Tinubu’s candidacy nor contributed to the party’s victory in the last election.
Describing Vice President Shettima as visionary, humble, and patriotic, Kobi said his leadership has continued to inspire young Nigerians across the country.
He cautioned that undermining the Vice President’s position could divide the APC and alienate millions of Northern voters whose support remains critical to the party’s electoral fortunes.
The group also warned that any deliberate attempt to weaken or undermine Shettima’s role within the administration would be strongly resisted.
