In a significant boost to his political prospects, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a resounding endorsement from the southern caucus of the Forum of Former Legislators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Friday, positioning him as their sole presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. This landmark decision, made during a high-profile summit in Abeokuta, Ogun State, underscores the growing support for Tinubu’s leadership and his administration’s transformative reforms. The event, convened by Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff and a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, brought together a distinguished assembly of former lawmakers, including key figures from the south-west, south-south, and south-east geopolitical zones, as well as select representatives from the northern caucus. The summit, held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, was a pivotal moment in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape as the nation prepares for the next electoral cycle.
A Unified Southern Caucus Backs Tinubu
The southern caucus, comprising former Speakers and principal officers of the House of Representatives, unanimously adopted President Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The decision was formalized in a communiqué read by Barr. Samson Osagie, the Attorney-General of Edo State, who articulated the caucus’s confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. The communiqué highlighted the administration’s sweeping reforms, which the former legislators credited with revitalizing Nigeria’s economy, strengthening the naira, and setting the country on a trajectory of sustainable growth and recovery.
The summit was chaired by Ken Nnamani, a former Senate President, whose presence lent significant weight to the proceedings. Nnamani’s leadership underscored the importance of the event as a platform for former lawmakers to deliberate on critical national issues and chart a unified course for Nigeria’s future. The attendance of Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, another former Speaker of the House, along with members of the northern caucus, signaled a broader coalition of support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, transcending regional divides.
Tinubu’s Reforms: A Catalyst for Economic Progress
The former legislators lauded President Tinubu’s policy initiatives, which they described as bold and transformative. According to the communiqué, the administration’s reforms have “re-engineered the economy” and laid a solid foundation for long-term prosperity. Key achievements cited include the establishment of regional development commissions, which aim to address infrastructural and economic disparities across Nigeria’s diverse regions. These commissions are seen as a strategic move to foster balanced development and ensure that all parts of the country benefit from federal resources and opportunities.
Another hallmark of Tinubu’s administration, as highlighted by the caucus, is the granting of autonomy to local governments. This policy is intended to empower grassroots governance, enabling local authorities to address community-specific needs more effectively. By decentralizing power and resources, the administration aims to enhance accountability and improve service delivery at the local level.
The student loans scheme was also praised as a game-changer for Nigeria’s education sector. The initiative is designed to provide financial support to indigent students, ensuring that access to higher education is not limited by economic constraints. This policy aligns with Tinubu’s broader vision of human capital development, which prioritizes education as a driver of national progress.
Additionally, the deregulation of the electricity sector was cited as a critical reform that has opened up opportunities for private investment and innovation in Nigeria’s power industry. By removing bureaucratic bottlenecks and encouraging competition, the administration aims to address the country’s chronic energy challenges, improve electricity supply, and boost economic productivity.
Gbajabiamila’s Case for Tinubu’s Leadership
In his keynote address, Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, delivered a compelling defense of the administration’s achievements. He emphasized that Tinubu’s reforms have ushered in a new era of “economic justice” characterized by fairness, accountability, and a shared sense of national purpose. Gbajabiamila cited data from the World Bank to underscore the tangible impact of these reforms on Nigeria’s economy. According to him, the country recorded a robust economic growth rate of 4.6 percent in the last quarter of 2024, contributing to an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent—the highest in a decade.
Gbajabiamila further highlighted the administration’s success in improving Nigeria’s fiscal health. He noted that the fiscal deficit had been significantly reduced from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to 3 percent in 2024. This achievement, he argued, reflects the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and prudent economic management. Additionally, federal revenues saw a remarkable increase, rising from N16.8 trillion in 2023 to an estimated N31.9 trillion in 2024. These figures, Gbajabiamila contended, demonstrate the effectiveness of Tinubu’s policies in boosting revenue generation and stabilizing the economy.
Beyond economic metrics, Gbajabiamila emphasized the importance of unity in nation-building. He argued that true progress extends beyond physical infrastructure to encompass the forging of a collective national identity. “Nation-building is not just about roads and bridges,” he said. “It is about creating a sense of common purpose and shared destiny among Nigerians.” His remarks resonated with the audience, reinforcing the need for unity across Nigeria’s diverse ethnic and regional groups.
Voices of Support: Nnamani, Dogara, and Etteh
Ken Nnamani, the summit’s chairman, described the event as a critical opportunity for former legislators to reflect on Nigeria’s challenges and contribute to solutions. He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing that the reforms, while sometimes painful, are necessary for long-term progress. Nnamani’s call for unity and collaboration echoed Gbajabiamila’s sentiments, reinforcing the importance of collective action in addressing Nigeria’s complex challenges.
Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, representing the northern caucus, cautioned Nigerians against losing faith in Tinubu’s leadership. He acknowledged the difficulties faced by many citizens but argued that the administration’s policies are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. Dogara’s presence at the summit was significant, as it signaled potential cross-regional support for Tinubu’s re-election bid, a critical factor in Nigeria’s polarized political landscape.
Patricia Etteh, another former Speaker of the House, called for cohesion and dialogue as essential pillars of democratic progress. She described unity as the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy, urging Nigerians to prioritize national interest over sectional or partisan considerations. Etteh’s remarks underscored the summit’s overarching theme of fostering unity and collaboration in support of Tinubu’s vision.
A Call for Regional Power Rotation
The communiqué issued by the southern caucus also addressed the sensitive issue of regional power rotation, a longstanding principle in Nigeria’s political system. The caucus affirmed that it is the turn of the south to complete its tenure in the presidency, as per the informal power-sharing agreement that has guided Nigeria’s democratic transitions. According to the communiqué, President Tinubu, as a southerner, should be supported to complete his term, after which the presidency would rotate to the north in 2031.
“We adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the south,” the communiqué declared. “We call on the south to support the north in 2031 to take up their tenure for the leadership of our dear country.” This statement reflects the caucus’s commitment to maintaining Nigeria’s delicate regional balance, which has historically been a key factor in ensuring political stability.
Dapo Abiodun: Nation-Building as a Shared Responsibility
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who hosted the summit, delivered a passionate address on the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building. He emphasized that the task of building a prosperous Nigeria transcends tribal, political, and religious divides. “Nation-building is a shared duty,” Abiodun declared. “It requires all of us—regardless of our differences—to come together and work towards a common goal.” His remarks resonated with the summit’s theme of unity and collaboration, reinforcing the need for Nigerians to set aside divisions and rally behind Tinubu’s leadership.
Abiodun also praised Tinubu’s reforms, particularly those aimed at addressing long-standing structural challenges in Nigeria’s economy and governance. He cited the administration’s efforts to strengthen the naira, improve infrastructure, and promote inclusive development as evidence of Tinubu’s commitment to transformative leadership. Abiodun’s endorsement carried significant weight, given his position as a key political figure in the south-west, a region that has been a stronghold of Tinubu’s political base.
Implications for 2027 and Beyond
The southern caucus’s endorsement of President Tinubu is a significant development in Nigeria’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for the 2027 general election. By adopting Tinubu as their sole candidate, the caucus has sent a strong signal of unity and resolve within the southern political establishment. This move is likely to bolster Tinubu’s re-election campaign, providing him with a solid platform to consolidate support in the south while reaching out to other regions.
The presence of northern caucus members, such as Yakubu Dogara, at the summit suggests that Tinubu’s campaign may also gain traction in the north, a region that has historically played a decisive role in Nigeria’s presidential elections. The caucus’s call for the north to take over the presidency in 2031 aligns with Nigeria’s tradition of regional power rotation, which could help mitigate potential tensions and foster cross-regional cooperation.
However, Tinubu’s re-election bid is not without challenges. While the southern caucus praised his reforms, some Nigerians continue to grapple with the economic hardships resulting from policies such as fuel subsidy removal and currency devaluation. Addressing these concerns and communicating the long-term benefits of his reforms will be critical for Tinubu to maintain broad-based support.
A Broader Vision for Nigeria
The summit in Abeokuta was more than just a political endorsement; it was a call to action for Nigerians to unite behind a shared vision of progress and prosperity. The former legislators emphasized the importance of policies that promote unity, peace, and economic development. By highlighting Tinubu’s achievements—such as economic growth, fiscal discipline, and sectoral reforms—they sought to build confidence in his leadership and rally support for his re-election.
The establishment of regional development commissions, local government autonomy, and the student loans scheme are seen as steps toward addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges and promoting inclusive growth. Similarly, the deregulation of the electricity sector reflects a forward-thinking approach to tackling one of Nigeria’s most persistent problems. These policies, while still in their early stages, have the potential to transform Nigeria’s economy and improve the lives of its citizens.
Conclusion
The southern caucus’s adoption of President Bola Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s political journey. Backed by a coalition of former legislators, Tinubu’s re-election campaign has gained significant momentum, with his reforms receiving widespread praise for their transformative impact. The summit in Abeokuta underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in building a stronger Nigeria. As the country moves closer to the 2027 election, Tinubu’s ability to sustain this momentum, address economic challenges, and foster cross-regional support will be critical to securing a second term. For now, the southern caucus’s endorsement has brightened his prospects, setting the stage for a highly competitive and consequential election.
