The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has officially endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The declaration was made during the forum’s National Summit in Abuja, which brought together over two thousand former lawmakers from across the country.
Participants at the summit unanimously expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to lead Nigeria to greater progress.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Patricia Etteh, emphasised the critical role that former legislators play in shaping governance.
Mrs Etteh added that President Tinubu should be allowed to complete the Southern mandate to ensure continuity in government. She also called for a single five-year presidential term and voiced support for the Reserved Seats for Women Bill.
Another former Speaker, Mr Yakubu Dogara, praised President Tinubu for the improvements in national security, noting that the North East region fully supports his leadership.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Tunji Ojo, who is also a former legislator, described President Tinubu as a courageous leader whose bold actions have repositioned the country.
“The president has taken life-changing decisions for the benefit of Nigeria, and his second term promises even greater achievements,” Mr Ojo said.
Former Senate President, Senator Ken Nnamani, pledged to mobilise grassroots support for President Tinubu, highlighting the former lawmakers’ closeness to the electorate.
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Senator Ayim Pius Ayim suggested that the forum should advocate for constitutional rotation to promote political stability.
Former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, recalled that Nigeria has experienced 27 years of democracy under various regional administrations.
“It is the turn of the South. Let us stand by them,” he said.
In his keynote address, Chief of Staff to President Tinubu and former Speaker, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the summit convenes at a time of global uncertainty.
“Yet it is precisely in moments such as these that leadership is most needed. Your willingness to convene, to deliberate, and to contribute once more to national discourse speaks volumes about your enduring commitment to the idea of Nigeria and to the responsibilities that citizenship and leadership impose upon us all,” he said.
He described the summit as the result of extensive consultation and dialogue across Nigeria.
The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) occupies a unique and vital place in our national life. It brings together individuals who have not merely observed the evolution of our democracy but have actively shaped it, often under difficult circumstances. The institutional memory represented in this room is a national asset of immense value and must be deliberately harnessed to inform present choices and illuminate future pathways.
“The summit’s theme, ‘National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031,’ underlines that nation-building is a continuous process, not the responsibility of any single administration,”Mr Gbajabiamila said.
He added that President Tinubu understands Nigeria’s diversity and is committed to ensuring unity without sacrificing fairness or equity.
“Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, our future will not be dictated by those who exploit historical divisions. This administration is committed to fairness, inclusion, and shared responsibility. Achieving national unity requires deliberate effort, dialogue, cross-regional alliances, and inclusive narratives that recognise diversity as a strength,” he said.
In a goodwill message, Deputy Senate President and guest of honour, Senator Barau Jibrin, acknowledged the value of former legislators in national development.
“You have had the privilege and responsibility of lawmaking, articulating the aspirations of the people, and strengthening democratic institutions. Your experience and institutional memory remain invaluable national assets,” he said.
Senator Jibrin added that Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving and former legislators’ wisdom is essential for guiding governance, national cohesion, and reform. He assured the NFFL of the National Assembly’s willingness to collaborate with the forum.
The National Coordinator of the NFFL, Mr Ralphel Igbokwe, said the forum focuses on political stability, national security, and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches. He also urged the settlement of outstanding debts owed to members, particularly those from the Second and Third Republics.
