By || Goodluck E.Adubazi || Abuja.
The former members of Nigeria’s National Assembly have thrown their weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, passing a vote of absolute confidence in his administration and endorsing him as their sole candidate for the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement was part of a wide-ranging communiqué issued at the end of the National Summit 2026 of Former Legislators, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Gado, Abuja. The summit, themed “National Unity and Nation Building Beyond 2031,” was convened by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Operating under the umbrella of the National Forum of Former Legislators, participants said they deliberated extensively on the state of the nation, democratic stability, national unity, and the future of Nigeria’s constitutional order.
In the communiqué, the former lawmakers reaffirmed their commitment to patriotism, inclusiveness, and national cohesion, stressing that democracy remains a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. They emphasized the need to promote trust and unity across all regions of the country.
On power rotation, the former legislators reaffirmed support for the rotational presidency principle, stating that in the spirit of equity, inclusion, and national balance, the presidency should rotate to the North by 2031, following the completion of the Southern presidency under President Tinubu.
They further called for the constitutional entrenchment of the rotational presidency, arguing that it would eliminate ambiguity, reduce political tension, strengthen trust between the North and South, and promote fairness and national unity for future generations—especially as the country continues its constitutional amendment process.
The forum also emphasized the continuity of reforms, urging Nigerians to support ongoing governance efforts aimed at strengthening national unity and deepening democratic governance. In the interest of stability and democratic consistency, the former legislators resolved that President Tinubu should be supported to complete the full eight years traditionally accorded to the Southern presidency.
Consequently, they passed a vote of absolute confidence on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and formally adopted him as their preferred candidate for the 2027 general elections.
In their closing remarks, the former legislators reaffirmed their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria and called on political leaders, institutions, and citizens to uphold democratic values in the collective interest of all Nigerians.
The motion for the adoption of the communiqué and the adjournment of the summit was moved by Senator Yakubu Oseni, former Senator representing Kogi Central, and seconded by Chief Florence Itagiwa, former legislator from Cross River State.
