The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as their sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election in Nigeria.
The endorsement was announced at the National Summit of the forum, which was attended by over two thousand delegates from across Nigeria, held in Abuja.
The former legislators unanimously agreed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the capacity to take Nigeria to greater heights.
The former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Patricia Etteh, said that former legislators occupy a very important position in NIgeria as they are brains behind every successful executive.
“No National Assembly, no democracy,” she said.
She said that President Tinubu needs to be allowed to finish the Southern mandate for the sake of continuity.
She also proposed a single five year term for the president and expressed her support for the reserved Seats for Women Bill.
Another former Speaker, Mr. Yakubu Dogara commended president Tinubu for improved security across Nigeria.
He noted that the North East is solidly behind president Tinubu.
The Nigerian Minister of Interior, who is also a former lawmaker, Mr. Tunji Ojo said that Nigeria deserves a brave man like president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said that the president has repositioned Nigeria and will do even more in his second tenure.
He praised president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for taking life changing decisions for the good of Nigeria.
The former President of the Senate, Senator Ken Nnamani, promised mass grassroots mobilisation for president Bola Ahmed Tinubu for 2027.
He said that as former legislators, they are closer to the electorates.
Former President of the Senate, Senator Ayim Pius Ayim said that the forum of Former Lawmakers should propose constitutional rotation for stability in governance.
On his part, former Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba, said that Nigeria has enjoyed 27 years of democracy under different zones.
“It is the turn of the south. Let us stand by them,” he stated.
Contributions to National Discourse
In his keynote address, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, said that the meeting comes at a moment when the world appears unsettled and uncertain of its direction.
“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,” Mr. Gbajabiamila said.
He said that the gathering is the culmination of months of consultation, dialogue, and engagement across the length and breadth of our country.
“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 and at critical moments in our history. The institutional memory represented in this room is a national asset of immense value. It must not be allowed to fade or be marginalised. Instead, it must be deliberately harnessed to inform present choices and to illuminate future pathways as we continue the long and unfinished journey toward a more perfect union.
“It is neither accidental nor merely symbolic that this summit is convened under the theme “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031.” The emphasis on “beyond” is both deliberate and instructive. It reminds us that nation-building is not an event, nor the exclusive responsibility of any single administration. Nation-building is a continuum,” he said.
Mr. Gbajabiamila stressed that Nigeria is fortunate that at this pivotal moment, it is being led by a President who understands both the fragility and the strength of the country’s diversity, and who recognises that national unity must never be sacrificed on the altar of narrow ambition or short-term political gain.
Fostering National Unity and Security
In his goodwill message, the Deputy President of the Senate and Guest of Honour, Senator Barau Jibrin, pointed out that former legislators occupy a unique and respected place in Nigeria’s national life.
“You are men and women who have had the privilege and burden of law making, articulating the aspirations of the people, and strengthening democratic institutions at critical moments in our history. Though you may no longer sit in legislative chambers, your experience, institutional memory, and statesmanship remain invaluable national assets,” Senator Barau said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy is still a work in progress.
“As we navigate challenges of governance, national cohesion, economic reform, and institutional trust, the wisdom of those who have “been there” is more needed than ever. Platforms such as this Summit provide an opportunity to reflect, mentor, advise, and contribute constructively to national discourse beyond partisan divides,” he noted.
He assured the former legislators that the leadership of the National Assembly remains open to collaboration with NFFL and similar bodies.
The National Coordinator of the National Forum of Former Legislators, Mr. Ralphel Igbokwe, said that the group focuses on political support and stability.
He also said that the group has unity, national security, and fostering collaboration between legislative and executive branches as its aim.
He equally used the opportunity of the summit to solicit for the payment of debts owed to its members, particularly members of the second and third Republic.
The theme of the Summit was “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031”.