The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has proposed enshrining a north-south rotational presidency in the Constitution to bolster national stability. Comprising former state and federal lawmakers, the forum reached this resolution during its 2026 National Summit in Abuja on Saturday, January 24.
The group argued that formalizing power-sharing would deepen regional trust and eliminate the political ambiguity often seen in future electoral cycles.
Spearheaded by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff and former House Speaker, the summit centered on the vital theme: “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031.” The event brought together seasoned legislative voices to deliberate on the country’s democratic trajectory and the necessity of constitutionalizing power-sharing.
In a communiqué following the Abuja summit, the forum urged the National Assembly to constitutionalize the rotational presidency. The former lawmakers argued that entrenching this principle is vital to resolving the ambiguity surrounding power-sharing and ensuring long-term political stability.
The forum threw its full weight behind President Tinubu’s re-election bid, adopting him as its sole consensus candidate for the 2027 polls. Members emphasized that backing Tinubu for a second term provides the necessary time to consolidate his “Renewed Hope” agenda and strengthens the equitable rotation of power between the North and South.
“After the completion of the Southern presidency and the administration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu, constitutional entrenchment of rotational principle to eliminate doubt, reduce political tension and build enduring trust between the Northern and the Southern regions, we call for the principle of rotational presidency to be enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the communique reads in part.
“As you all know, we are making the constitution of the federal government for Nigeria. So this will promote fairness, strengthen national unity and provide clarity for the future generations here on board.
“Continuity of reforms: In order to consolidate ongoing reforms, strengthen national unity and deepen democratic governance, we collectively resolved that the current president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be supported to complete the full term traditionally accorded to the Southern presidency, in the interests of stability, fairness and democratic consistency.
“So we therefore pass a vote of absolute confidence on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and adopt him as our sole candidate for the 2027 general election.”
Championing a “peace-first” approach, the forum reiterated that national dialogue and inclusive consultation remain the most effective tools for navigating Nigeria’s challenges. The group emphasized that sustainable progress is only possible through consistent, peaceful engagement across all regional and political divides.
