NMCF to Dogara: Stop Playing Religion for Political Gains

By Zakariyya Aliyu Gwaram

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, the Chairman of the Forum, Daure David, alleged that Dogara worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 2023 presidential election and is now positioning himself for renewed political relevance by raising controversial issues surrounding power sharing and religion.

David dismissed speculations that President Tinubu may consider replacing Vice President Kashim Shettima with a Northern Christian running mate in 2027, describing such reports as “dangerous, misleading and politically motivated.”

He recalled that similar rumours had previously suggested that Dogara would be appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), claims which, according to him, 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 genuine concern for national development, unity and stability.

However, the Forum expressed concern that 17 former members of the National Assembly later distanced themselves from the endorsement, warning that some political actors were exploiting the situation to create confusion within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reacting to Dogara’s recent remarks on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he called for justice and inclusiveness in power-sharing arrangements, the Forum accused him of masking personal ambition with the language of equity and fairness.

“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 his current position, the group asked what shortcomings he had identified in the Tinubu/Shettima administration and what alternative benefits he proposed for both Christians and Muslims across the country.

“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?” David queried.

The group warned that any attempt to politicise religion ahead of the 2027 elections would amount to a grave political miscalculation capable of eroding President Tinubu’s support base in the North, particularly in the North-East, which it said was yet to witness significant developmental interventions.

Defending Vice President Shettima, the Forum described him as a loyal and effective deputy who has diligently discharged his responsibilities since assuming office.

“Those calling for his replacement are only trying to create discord and crisis within the APC,” David stated.

The Forum further argued that Dogara was neither the most unifying political figure in the North-East nor a critical link between the region and the rest of the country. It alleged that he supported former Vice President 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 said.

The group also accused some individuals promoting the replacement narrative of failing to contribute meaningfully to the APC’s victory in 2023, describing Dogara as a “master of duplicity.”

It 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.

The Forum concluded by cautioning political actors it accused of scheming and destabilisation, stressing that any attempt to weaken party cohesion could have serious consequences for the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections.