Gbajabiamila Canvases National Unity as Ex-Lawmakers Endorse Tinubu, Push Power Rotation

Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has warned that Nigeria must strengthen national cohesion to withstand rising global economic, political and security instability, describing unity as a strategic imperative for the country’s survival and progress.

Gbajabiamila gave the warning at the 2026 National Summit of the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) in Abuja, themed “National Unity and Nation Building Beyond 2031.” He said Nigeria’s ability to navigate global uncertainties depends on internal solidarity, inclusive governance and responsible political leadership. According to him, deepening political, ethnic and religious divisions could weaken Nigeria’s resilience, undermine investor confidence, and expose the country to external shocks and security threats. He urged political actors to avoid exploiting identity politics for short-term gains, warning that such actions could erode trust and destabilise the nation. The Chief of Staff also defended the principle of North–South rotational presidency, describing it as a stabilising framework that helps manage Nigeria’s diversity and maintain political balance. He stressed that personal political ambitions should not be allowed to threaten the fragile equilibrium that sustains national unity. Meanwhile, former members of the National Assembly, under the NFFL, endorsed President Bola Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election, passing a vote of confidence in his administration and calling on Nigerians to support him in completing two full terms in office. In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, the former lawmakers urged the constitutional entrenchment of rotational presidency, arguing that formally recognising the practice would promote fairness, reduce political tension, and provide long-term stability in Nigeria’s electoral process. The forum further resolved that, in the interest of equity and national balance, the presidency should return to the North in 2031 after a full Southern tenure. It said constitutional backing for power rotation would strengthen national cohesion, enhance democratic stability and build greater trust among Nigeria’s diverse regions. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and other political leaders present at the event expressed support for the proposal, pledging to work toward constitutional amendments that would institutionalise rotational leadership as a mechanism for sustaining unity and political stability. The summit concluded with renewed calls for responsible leadership, national dialogue and collective commitment to unity, as stakeholders warned that Nigeria’s future in an increasingly volatile global environment depends on its ability to remain politically cohesive, inclusive and forward-looking.