Former legislators endorse Tinubu for 2027 re-election, citing unity, fairness and South’s right to complete two terms in presidency
The decision was reached on Saturday at the 2025 Southern Summit of Former Legislators, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
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Themed National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building, the summit was attended by prominent political figures, including President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Olufemi Gbajabiamila, former Senate President Ken Nnamani, ex-Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Patricia Etteh, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, and Victor Ndoma-Egba.
In a communiqué read by Samson Osagie, a former House member from Edo State, the forum affirmed that it was the South’s turn to complete its tenure at the presidency. The adoption of Tinubu, they argued, was essential for unity, justice and fairness.
“We affirm that it is the turn of the South to complete its tenure,” the statement read. “Accordingly, we adopt him as the Sole Candidate of the South. We call on the South to support the North in 2031 to take up their tenure for the leadership of our dear country.”
Gbajabiamila praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing the removal of fuel subsidy as an act of “extraordinary statesmanship.” He insisted that the President’s vision was long-term and not driven by electoral calculations.
“These are not the actions of a politician thinking about the next election,” Gbajabiamila said. “They are acts of extraordinary statesmanship by a leader whose highest concern is the fortune of the Nigerian people and the fate of the next generation.”
The Northern Caucus, led by Rufai Chanchagi, reiterated its support for the South to finish its two-term cycle, stressing equity and balance in leadership.
Ogun State governor Dapo Abiodun lauded the forum as custodians of Nigeria’s democracy, urging that Tinubu be allowed to complete two terms.
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Senator Surajudeen Basiru added that unity amid diversity was vital in overcoming Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges.
