Former Southern and Northern legislators have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, citing the need for the South to complete its tenure. The endorsement was made at the 2025 Southern Summit of Former Legislators, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The summit, themed “National Unity: Bedrock of Nation Building,” was attended by prominent figures, including Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, Olufemi Gbajabiamila, and former Senate President Ken Nnamani.
According to a communique issued at the end of the summit, the decision to endorse President Tinubu was made in the interest of unity, justice, and fairness. The communique stated that it is the turn of the South to complete its tenure and that President Tinubu’s completion of the tenure is in the best interest of the South and the nation. The former legislators adopted President Tinubu as the Sole Candidate of the South and called on the South to support the North in 2031 to take up their tenure for the leadership of the country.
The convener of the summit, Gbajabiamila, praised President Tinubu’s administration for tackling difficult reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy. He described this move as an act of “extraordinary statesmanship” that will benefit Nigeria’s long-term stability. Gbajabiamila urged Nigerians to be patient, acknowledging that the reforms may come with temporary hardship.
The Northern Caucus of the forum reiterated its resolve to back the South in the next election, citing the need for fairness and equity. Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Senator Surajudeen Basiru also expressed support for President Tinubu’s completion of two terms in the presidency, emphasizing the importance of unity and diversity in the face of social, political, and economic challenges.
The endorsement of President Tinubu by former Southern and Northern legislators is significant, as it reflects a growing consensus among Nigerian leaders on the need for unity and stability. With the 2027 elections approaching, the outcome of this endorsement remains to be seen. However, it is clear that President Tinubu’s administration will continue to play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s future.
