The statement you're asking about—where Yakubu Dogara supposedly called Peter Obi his "preferred candidate" but said God told him to vote for Atiku —is during the 2023 presidential election. 1. Official Endorsement of Atiku Abubakar
As the 2027 election cycle approaches, the dynamics have shifted: : Their decision was primarily a strategic rejection
: Dogara acknowledged the legitimacy of Peter Obi’s movement and the push for a Southern president, but he consistently argued that a unified opposition was necessary to win. 3. Current Political Context (2026-2027 Outlook)
: Their decision was primarily a strategic rejection of the All Progressives Congress (APC) "same-faith ticket" (Muslim-Muslim ticket). : Their decision was primarily a strategic rejection
Contrary to the "preferred candidate" narrative, Yakubu Dogara and a group of Northern Christian leaders officially endorsed Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2022.
: No reputable media outlets or official statements from Dogara confirm him using the phrase "preferred candidate but God told me to vote Atiku." This specific phrasing often mirrors the sensationalized style of "clickbait" headlines. 3. Current Political Context (2026-2027 Outlook)