News Rendezvous

By Staff Writer for Rendezvous

Political analyst and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Umar Dauda Duhu, has dismissed recent comments reportedly made by former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, questioning the viability of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima ticket for the 2027 presidential election.

In a rejoinder issued on Sunday, Duhu argued that the Tinubu-Shettima partnership remains the strongest platform for the APC to retain power in 2027, insisting that continuity in governance is essential to consolidating ongoing economic and institutional reforms.

According to him, the administration was elected on a mandate to reform the economy, strengthen national security and improve governance, adding that changing the presidential ticket before the completion of those reforms would be counterproductive.

He maintained that policies such as fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and security initiatives require continuity to achieve their intended objectives.

Duhu also rejected arguments that the APC should reconsider its ticket on the basis of religious or regional balancing, describing competence, experience and performance as the primary considerations in leadership selection.

He noted that the North-East geopolitical zone, where Vice President Shettima hails from, is already represented at the highest level of executive leadership, arguing that calls for a replacement should not be driven by “sentimental considerations.”

The APC stalwart further emphasised the importance of loyalty within political parties, stating that members who have remained committed to the party through challenging periods deserve recognition. He added that consistency and political gratitude are critical values for sustaining party cohesion ahead of future elections.

Duhu expressed confidence that the Tinubu-Shettima ticket possesses the electoral advantage needed to secure victory in the 2027 presidential election, citing the administration’s governance record, nationwide political structure and established public recognition.According to him, Nigerians will ultimately assess the administration based on its performance in critical sectors such as infrastructure, food security, electricity, employment and security rather than political rhetoric.

He urged members of the APC to remain united and avoid internal divisions capable of weakening the party before the next general election.”The APC must not allow itself to be distracted by personal ambitions ahead of national interest. The project is bigger than any individual, and the time for consolidation is now,” Duhu stated.

The rejoinder follows recent public debate over the composition of the APC’s 2027 presidential ticket after Dogara reportedly questioned the political viability of retaining the Tinubu-Shettima partnership.