National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has thrown their weight behind President Tinubu’s relection, calls for constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency
The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has called for the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency between Nigeria’s North and South, describing it as essential for equity, political stability and national unity.
The call formed part of resolutions reached at the Forum’s 2026 National Summit held in Abuja, themed “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031.”
In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the former lawmakers said constitutionalising the rotational principle would eliminate ambiguity in presidential succession, build lasting trust between the regions and provide clarity for future generations.
“We call for the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency to promote fairness, strengthen national unity and provide clarity for future generations,” it said.
According to the forum, the move would promote fairness, inclusion and democratic stability in Africa’s most populous country, while reducing political tension ahead of future elections.
The NFFL further resolved that, in keeping with the principle of equity and national balance, the presidency should rotate to the north in 2031 after the completion of the current southern tenure under President Bola Tinubu.
“In keeping with the spirit of fairness and national balance, we affirm that the presidency should return to the northern region in 2031, after the completion of the southern presidency,” the communiqué read
The former legislators also pledged support for the continuity of the Tinubu administration’s reforms, stressing that democratic stability required the president to complete the full eight-year tenure traditionally allotted to the south. They passed a vote of absolute confidence in the administration and adopted Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 general election.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, consultation and peaceful engagement as the preferred means of resolving Nigeria’s political, social and regional challenges.
Delivering remarks at the summit, the Chief of Staff to the President and Convener of the meeting, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, endorsed the principle of rotational presidency between the north and south, describing it as a wise compromise for managing Nigeria’s diversity and preserving national stability.
Gbajabiamila warned against allowing personal ambition to undermine arrangements that sustain unity and peace, urging Nigerians across political, ethnic and regional lines to recommit to national unity, which he described as a strategic necessity in an increasingly volatile global order.
He said the summit was taking place at a time of global uncertainty and weakening international stability, noting that such moments required experienced leadership and reflective national dialogue.
According to him, President Tinubu continues to draw strength from the collective wisdom and institutional memory of former legislators as he pursues the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Gbajabiamila described the NFFL as a critical national asset, stressing that its members were active participants in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and that their experience must be deliberately harnessed to guide present and future decisions.
He said the summit’s theme underscored that nation-building is a continuous process beyond any single administration, recalling the constitution’s commitment to unity and harmony as a living pledge rather than mere legal text.
He also highlighted ongoing government initiatives aimed at strengthening unity, including the establishment of development commissions in all six geopolitical zones, nationwide infrastructure projects, interest-free student loans, discounted cancer treatment and security sector reforms.
The chief of staff cautioned against the mobilisation of ethnic or religious identities for political gain, warning that such tactics erode national trust and cohesion, and urged leaders to promote dialogue, compromise and statesmanship.
Also speaking, National Coordinator of the summit, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, called for renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and the codification of rotational power sharing, arguing that struggles over power remained a major source of conflict in the country.
Igbokwe said entrenching rotational presidency would foster trust, reduce suspicion and promote fairness among Nigeria’s diverse groups. He also called for stronger action against insecurity, including the prosecution of sponsors of terrorism, and appealed for better welfare for aging former lawmakers.
Former Senate President and Chairman of the summit, Ken Nnamani, said former legislators have a responsibility to educate Nigerians on democratic succession and national unity.
He explained that the gathering was designed to equip former lawmakers to return to their communities and enlighten citizens on issues of continuity, succession and the established North–South understanding in Nigeria’s political system.
Nnamani commended Gbajabiamila for sustaining the initiative and providing a platform for former legislators to contribute meaningfully to national discourse.
