High-ranking federal officials, political stakeholders and former federal and state lawmakers converged recently in Abuja to reaffirm their commitment to the principle of rotational presidency and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continuation in office beyond 2027.
Speaking at the National Summit of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL), the Deputy President of the Senate, Dr. Barau Jibrin, CFR, threw his weight behind a second term for the President.
He urged political actors to respect existing governance structures and the zoning principles that have stabilized Nigeria’s democracy since 1999.
“I stand by the principle of rotation and I want it to be sustained,” Barau stated. “The President is doing his first term and there is no need to reinvent the wheel. It is working and should be allowed to continue. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should be allowed to do two terms.”
Barau praised the NFFL for providing a platform where former lawmakers can utilize their institutional memory to mentor younger legislators and defend democratic principles.
He noted that while Nigeria’s democracy remains a work in progress, the wisdom of veteran leaders is essential for navigating current economic and social reforms.
Reinforcing this stance, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, described the rotational presidency between the North and South as a “principled compromise” essential for national stability.
Addressing the summit, themed “National Unity and Nation Building; Beyond 2031,” the former Speaker of the House of Representatives warned against undermining this delicate balance for short-term political gains.
He noted that mobilizing ethnic or religious sentiments as a shortcut to power inflicts long-term damage on national cohesion.
“When political competition amplifies ethnic suspicion, it corrodes trust and weakens the foundations of the state,” Gbajabiamila warned.
He reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration remains focused on inclusive governance and equitable development to strengthen the bond between Nigeria’s diverse groups.