2027: Northern groups to Tinubu: Don’t replace Shettima with Dogara

Youth and socio-political groups from the North East and North West have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to retain Vice President Kashim Shettima, cautioning that any move to elevate former Speaker Yakubu Dogara to a more prominent political role could unsettle party loyalists and create uncertainty ahead of the 2027 elections.

The appeal was made during separate media briefings held in Gombe and Kaduna.

In Gombe, the session was led by the President of the APC Youth Mandate Forum and North East Youth Forum, Honourable Umar Waziri Kumo.

In Kaduna, the coalition included the North West Sociopolitical Group, Northern Rights Concerns Protection, and the Arewa Coalition for Good Governance, led by Comrade Haruna Mai Kano.

The groups said Vice President Shettima enjoys broad support in the North East and warned that attempts to undermine his position could lead to discontent among party supporters in the region.

They also noted that Dogara’s political influence should be carefully evaluated, stressing that the President should ensure strategic considerations that will strengthen national unity and party cohesion.

The groups further encouraged all political leaders to avoid divisive statements and to continue fostering harmony within the party.

They highlighted the lasting respect many in the region have for the late President Muhammadu Buhari and urged political actors to uphold the values of unity and stability associated with his legacy.

Despite their concerns, the groups reaffirmed their support for President Tinubu and expressed confidence in his leadership.

They emphasised that maintaining stability within the administration would help consolidate the President’s efforts toward national development.