Dogara opposed Muslim-Muslim ticket, then begged for appointment – Ex-aide

A former close associate of ex-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, Barrister Maigida Yakubu, has strongly criticised the former lawmaker, describing him as a “master manipulator who has traded honour for deceit, unity for chaos, and trust for betrayal.”

He also accused Dogara of leading the Zaar (Sayawa) community towards division and crisis.

In an eleven-page open letter titled “Behind the Curtain of Deceit: Unmasking the Architect of the Zaar Identity Crisis and Division,” Maigida said Dogara’s recent acceptance of a political appointment from the same government he openly opposed during the 2023 campaigns shows hypocrisy.

He criticised Dogara’s role during the 2023 presidential election, especially his public rejection of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket. Maigida said Dogara presented himself as a moral voice but later went behind the scenes begging for appointments from the same party he attacked.

“Your trademark deceit and constant mistakes have finally received the attention they deserve. If awards were given for political self-destruction, you would win them all. You acted like a hero opposing the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, pretending to be a moral leader. Yet, for the past two years, you’ve been chasing the same people for political favours without shame,” he wrote.

He further mocked Dogara for organising a fake Christian protest crowd, mostly from the Middle Belt, to support his political stand, saying he only does things when they serve his selfish interest.

Maigida said the Tinubu administration only gave Dogara a minor appointment to keep him quiet politically.

“The government knows who you are; that’s why they gave you a small chairmanship position—not out of respect, but to silence you. These days, you move around political offices like a desperate fly, trying to get attention,” he added.

He accused Dogara of using and dividing his people, especially the youth, for personal gain without helping anyone. “Tell us, is there any Basayi son or daughter who can truly say they were empowered during your time in office as Representative and Speaker?” he asked.

According to him, Dogara is more known for acquiring property and building estates using money he made from years of shady dealings in the National Assembly. “In fact, ‘padding’ might be your most memorable legacy from the 8th Assembly, and it will always follow your name like a shadow,” Maigida added.

Dogara opposed Muslim-Muslim ticket, then begged for appointment – Ex-aide