By Segun Adewale in Bauchi
The Northern Minority Consultative Forum (NMCF) has accused former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, of seeking political relevance ahead of the 2027 general elections through what it described as divisive and misleading narratives.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, 26 January, 2026, the Chairman of the Forum, Daure David, alleged that Dogara had worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and was now positioning himself for political relevance by raising controversial issues around power sharing and religion.
The Forum dismissed rumours suggesting that President Tinubu may consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian running mate in 2027, describing the speculation as “dangerous, misleading and politically motivated.”
According to David, similar rumours were previously circulated that Dogara would be appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), claims which never materialised.
The Forum also criticised 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 “political bootlicking” driven by personal interests rather than national development, unity and stability.
However, the Forum expressed concern that 17 former members of the National Assembly later distanced themselves from the endorsement, an action it said was being exploited by some political actors to create confusion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Reacting to Dogara’s comments on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where the former Speaker called for justice and inclusiveness in power-sharing arrangements, the Forum accused him of pursuing personal ambition under the guise of advocating equity.
“All these statements made by Dogara are not driven by religious concerns or justice. He is simply seeking relevance,” David said.
The Forum further alleged that Dogara actively campaigned against the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket among Christian communities during the 2023 elections.
Questioning Dogara’s stance, the Forum asked: “If progress is truly the goal, what exactly is wrong with the way the Tinubu/Shettima administration is being run, and what benefits has it delivered to both Christians and Muslims across the country?”
The group warned that any attempt to weaponise religion ahead of the 2027 elections would be a grave political error that could cost President Tinubu significant support in the North, particularly the North-East, which it said was yet to witness substantial development.
Defending Vice President Shettima, the Forum described him as a loyal and effective deputy who has diligently discharged his responsibilities, pointing out that,
“Those calling for his replacement are only trying to create discord and crisis within the APC” .
The Forum further argued that Dogara was neither the most unifying political figure in the North-East nor a critical bridge between the region and the rest of the country, alleging that he supported Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 elections after failing to secure the vice-presidential slot.
“Now that he is no longer in office, he is attempting to regain relevance among minority groups, but our electorate is wiser,” the Forum stated. The group also accused some individuals pushing the replacement narrative of failing to contribute to the APC’s victory or support Tinubu’s candidacy in 2023, describing Dogara as a “master of duplicity.”
The Forum warned that undermining the position of minority Christians or manipulating their sentiments could divide the APC and alienate millions of Northern voters whose support remains crucial to the party’s electoral fortunes.
It concluded by cautioning those it accused of political scheming or attempts to undermine the party’s cohesion, saying such actions could have serious consequences for the APC ahead of the 2027 elections.
