The National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) has called for the principle of rotational presidency between the north and south to be enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution, aiming to reduce political tension and strengthen national unity.

The forum, which comprises former lawmakers from state and federal legislatures, made the call during its 2026 national summit in Abuja on Saturday. The event, convened by Femi Gbajabiamila, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff, carried the theme: “National Unity and Nation Building: Beyond 2031.”

In a communiqué issued after the summit, the forum stressed that, under the current power arrangement, the presidency should move to the north in 2031 after the completion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure.

The communiqué further endorsed Tinubu for a second term in 2027, adopting him as the sole candidate for the election.

“After the completion of the Southern presidency and the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, constitutional entrenchment of the rotational principle will eliminate doubt, reduce political tension, and build enduring trust between the Northern and Southern regions,” the statement reads.

Gbajabiamila urged political actors to respect the rotational presidency principle to maintain peace and stability, warning that pursuing power through ethnic, tribal, or religious lines could damage national cohesion. He emphasised that the principle is not a sign of weakness but a wisdom inherited from earlier generations that prioritises inclusion as the foundation of stability.

The forum also reaffirmed its commitment to national dialogue, consultation, and peaceful engagement as tools for resolving political challenges and consolidating ongoing reforms.