Former Lawmakers Push for Constitutional Rotation of Presidency Between North and South

ABUJA – The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has called for the constitutional entrenchment of a rotational presidency between Nigeria's northern and southern regions, describing it as a necessary measure to ensure fairness, reduce political tension, and build national unity.

The group, comprising former federal and state lawmakers, issued the call in a communiqué at the end of its 2026 national summit in Abuja, convened by the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. The summit's theme was "National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031."

Key Proposal and Political Endorsement

In its resolution, the NFFL urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to formalize the rotational presidency principle, which is currently an informal arrangement within major political parties. The forum argued this would "eliminate doubt" and "provide clarity for future generations."

Aligning with the current power-sharing understanding, the communiqué stated that the presidency should shift to the north in 2031, following the completion of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure. The forum also passed a "vote of absolute confidence" in Tinubu's administration and formally adopted him as its sole candidate for the 2027 presidential election.

Leadership Calls for Principled Compromise

In his keynote address, Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized that the rotational principle is a strategic compromise vital for stability in a diverse nation.

"The principle of a rotational presidency between north and south stands as one of the clearest expressions of principled compromise in the service of our national interest," Gbajabiamila stated. He cautioned political actors against exploiting ethnic, religious, or tribal sentiments for electoral gain, warning that such tactics would inflict lasting damage on national cohesion.

Context and Objective

The forum's advocacy seeks to institutionalize a power-sharing mechanism that has informally guided the political landscape, aiming to preempt conflicts over presidential zoning. By proposing a constitutional amendment, the former lawmakers aim to transition this convention from a party-specific practice to a binding national principle, framing it as essential for long-term democratic consistency and inter-regional trust.