Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on northern political leaders to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid for a second term, citing the president’s inclusive leadership style and commitment to national development.
Speaking at the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators held in Abuja, Gbajabiamila described President Tinubu as more than a regional leader, but a true national figure whose administration has carried all parts of the country along.
He urged former lawmakers and political leaders in the North to mobilize support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, stressing that the future of Nigeria depends on unity, continuity, and adherence to long-standing political agreements.
According to him, the Tinubu administration’s infrastructure drive and policy reforms are already yielding results, particularly in the North, where road networks, rail line expansions, and agricultural initiatives have begun reshaping the region’s economic landscape.
Gbajabiamila noted that the foundation being laid by the current administration is vital for Nigeria’s long-term development and should be given time to mature. He insisted that it would only be fair to allow the president to complete what he started.
Following his remarks, the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators issued a communiqué officially endorsing President Tinubu’s second-term bid.
The document, signed by Hon. Rufai Chanchangi, Coordinator of the Northern Caucus, and Hon. Atiwurcha, Secretary of the Caucus, emphasized the forum’s commitment to national unity and the principle of rotational presidency.
The communiqué stated that the North stands to benefit more by allowing the South to complete its turn in office, in line with Nigeria’s unifying foundation. It declared the forum’s belief that the incumbent should be supported to complete the tenure of the South for the peace and progress of the country.
The National Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, praised the Northern Caucus for what he called a bold and patriotic stand. He noted that the resolution demonstrated leadership that rose above personal and regional interests and expressed confidence that other geopolitical zones would soon follow suit in the spirit of unity and continuity.
The dialogue session also served as a platform to address key challenges facing the northern region. While appreciating the efforts of the current administration, the forum expressed concern over worsening insecurity in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Plateau, Benue, and Niger.
It called for intensified government efforts to tackle these challenges and urged greater engagement with stakeholders to improve governance outcomes.
According to the forum, the 2025 Dialogue Session is part of a broader national consultation initiative aimed at promoting inclusive governance and ensuring a smooth democratic transition as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
The event, which brought together former lawmakers from across northern Nigeria, provided an opportunity for critical reflection on the state of the nation and the need for continued collaboration between political actors and the federal government.
