Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara, has suggested that the United States may play a more than passive role in Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, driven largely by its strategic interest in the country’s stability and influence in Africa.

Dogara made the remarks 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 weakened, leaving countries to aggressively 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.”

However, he cautioned that mere participation in global decision-making forums does not automatically 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.”

Dogara argued that Nigeria must be deliberate and strategic in securing its place in global affairs, warning of dire consequences if the country fails to act decisively.

“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 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.”

According to Dogara, this reality explains why major global powers maintain a keen interest in Nigeria’s political and democratic trajectory, including its electoral process.

“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 that 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.”

According to the former Speaker, the principle of lobbying is not objectionable, but the reported amount allegedly paid by the Nigerian government raises serious concerns.

“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,” Dogara said.

He stressed that Nigeria, like other countries, has legitimate reasons to maintain influence and visibility within the US political system, but such engagements must be transparent and proportionate.

Beyond the immediate issue of lobbying, Dogara placed Nigeria’s foreign policy challenges within the broader context of a rapidly changing and increasingly unstable global order. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)