ABUJA, — Former federal and state lawmakers under the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term ahead of the 2027 general election, adopting him as their “sole candidate” and passing a vote of confidence in his administration at a one-day summit in Abuja.
The summit, themed “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031,” also produced a communiqué calling for a constitutional amendment to formalise rotational presidency between the North and South, arguing that constitutionalising the convention would reduce uncertainty, ease political tension and strengthen inclusion.
According to reports from the meeting, the forum said Tinubu should be supported to complete a “full southern presidency,” insisting the presidency should return to the North in 2031 after the completion of the current cycle, which it described as a stabilising power-sharing understanding in Nigeria’s multi-ethnic federation.
The gathering was convened by Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and now Chief of Staff to the President. In remarks reported by multiple outlets, Gbajabiamila framed unity as a strategic necessity for Nigeria’s resilience in an unstable global environment, arguing that political actors have a duty to lower the temperature of public discourse and prioritise cohesion over short-term ambitions.
He also defended rotational presidency as an instrument of political wisdom rather than weakness—an approach designed to manage diversity and dampen zero-sum competition—warning against moves that could undermine hard-won accommodation among regions.
Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who attended the summit, urged former lawmakers to deploy their experience in strengthening national cohesion and supporting reform, telling the forum that patriotism does not end with public office and that the National Assembly remains open to engagement on national priorities, including constitutional questions.
While the summit drew prominent political figures, Vanguard reported notable absences including former Senate Presidents David Mark and Bukola Saraki, as well as former Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, amid shifting alliances across opposition platforms.
The NFFL said its resolutions were aimed at promoting stability and equity, urging Nigerians to avoid rhetoric or manoeuvres that could inflame division ahead of the 2027 cycle.
