Ahead of the 2027 general election, the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has declared its full support for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a communique at the end of its national summit themed “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031”, held in Abuja on Saturday, presented by former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Babangida Nguroje, the forum emphasised the need to entrench the principle of rotational presidency between northern and southern regions in the Constitution.

The forum also called for the presidency to return to the north in 2031, following the completion of the southern presidency under President Tinubu.

“To eliminate doubts, reduce political tension, and build enduring trust between the regions, we call for rotational presidency to be enshrined in the Constitution,” the NFFL stated.

The forum also passed “a vote of absolute confidence” in Tinubu’s leadership, adopting him as their sole candidate for the 2027 election.

The Chief of Staff to the President and former House Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, highlighted the importance of national unity for Nigeria’s domestic stability and global influence.

He stated that Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in world history, amid global uncertainty, shifting alliances, and intensifying economic competition.

According to him, internal disunity would weaken Nigeria’s capacity to respond to global shocks, undermine investor confidence, and impair long-term development. Gbajabiamila emphasised that the Tinubu administration understands both the fragility and strength of Nigeria’s diversity.

He said the government remains committed to fairness, inclusion, and equitable development, noting that each of the six geopolitical zones now has its own development commission to direct federal investment across regions.

He highlighted major infrastructure projects—such as the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road and the Sokoto–Badagry highway—as examples of initiatives fostering inter-ethnic interaction and national cohesion.

He described rotational presidency as a principle of historical wisdom, designed to manage differences, ease tensions, and maintain national stability. “Those who now seek to upend this understanding in pursuit of narrow, short-term political ambitions must pause and reflect,” he warned.

Gbajabiamila also underscored the dangers of mobilising ethnic or religious identity for political gain, calling instead for leaders to emphasise shared destiny, mutual respect, and inclusive governance.

He further noted that national programs under the Renewed Hope Agenda, such as the Ward Development Programme, interest-free student loans, and accessible healthcare initiatives, are deliberately designed to reach citizens across geographic, ethnic, and religious boundaries. “Infrastructure and social services are not merely physical projects—they are pathways to unity and shared purpose,” he said.

Gbajabiamila thereby called on political actors to lead by example, model cooperation, and build bridges rather than divisions.

“National unity is not an ornament of statehood; it is its backbone. Without it, no constitution endures, no economy prospers, and no flag truly represents the hopes of its people,” he said, urging all Nigerians to embrace a politics of persuasion, inclusion, and long-term national interest.

Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau noted that forums like the NFFL summit foster mentorship, reflection, and constructive contributions to national discourse beyond partisan divides.

He assured continued collaboration between the National Assembly and bodies like the NFFL.

NFFL National Coordinator Igbokwe reiterated that the southern region should complete an eight-year presidency under Tinubu, warning against tenure extension beyond constitutional limits.

He also commended the government’s reforms and urged sustained efforts to improve socio-economic conditions, strengthen security, and promote ethnic and religious tolerance.

The summit underscored the role of experienced legislators in shaping Nigeria’s democracy and reaffirmed that nation-building is a collective responsibility extending beyond any single administration.