Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has warned that the United States may play a more than passive role in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Dogara made the statements on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television, where he analysed Nigeria’s place in the evolving global order and the implications for its democratic process.
He warned that traditional international norms have nosedived, leaving countries to pursue their interests.
“The international order right now has collapsed. The truth is that we are at the point now in history where you are either at the table or you are on the menu”, he said.
While calling for carefulness in global decision-making, he warned that mere participation does not instantly guarantee protection or influence.
“To be very frank, I don’t think being on the table is a guarantee for you not to be on the menu. We have run into a situation where the strongest at the table devours the rest.”
He argued that Nigeria must be deliberate and strategic in securing its place in global affairs.
“If care is not taken, if we don’t do the right thing, if we don’t take all the steps to be at the table, I can guarantee to you that Nigeria’s future may be determined without us,” he added.
Dogara also spoke on the strategic importance of Nigeria to the United States and the wider international community, noting that Nigeria’s stability has implications far beyond its borders.
“The concern is that they [the US] can’t allow Nigeria to go down because if Nigeria goes down, they say the ripple effect is something that can actually change the way presently Africa works.
“It is therefore in their own interest to ensure that something is done. They may not come out clearly to tell you that they will take more than passing interest … 2027 forthcoming elections,” he added.
He said from his observations and interactions, international attention on Nigeria is likely to intensify as the next general elections approach.
“From what I gathered and body language seen, that will likely be the case.”
Mr Dogara also criticised the reported amount paid by the Nigerian government for lobbying services.
“Lobbying is not bad. What I disagree with is the government paying $9m to a US lobby group. As far as I’, concerned, it’s speculative except I see evidence. There is no country in the world that doesn’t have a lobby group here [in the US]. It is not out of place for Nigerian government to engage a lobby group but to pay $9m is quite on the high side,” Mr Dogara added.
