Former southern legislators support Tinubu at Abeokuta summit towards 2027

The Southern Summit of Former Legislators has officially backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term. This endorsement was announced in a communiqué released at the conclusion of the summit held on Saturday at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The group of former lawmakers commended President Tinubu’s reforms over the last two years, stating that they have revitalized the economy, strengthened the naira, and set the country on a path to socio-economic recovery.

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They also called on state governments to support these reforms and assist the President in his mission to create a new Nigeria.

During his speech, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President and organizer of the summit, emphasized the importance of the newly implemented tax reforms, which he described as the foundation for a new era of economic fairness, accountability, and national purpose. He referenced the World Bank Development Update, revealing that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.6 percent in the last quarter of 2024, leading to an annual growth rate of 3.4 percent, the highest in a decade. He noted that the fiscal deficit decreased from 5.4 percent of GDP in 2023 to 3 percent in 2024, while federation revenues surged from ₦16.8 trillion in 2023 to an estimated ₦31.9 trillion in 2024.

Gbajabiamila further stressed the importance of unity, noting that without peace and cohesion, no nation can truly develop. According to him, “Nation building is not only about roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals; it is about forging a common identity and shared purpose.” He also commended President Tinubu for establishing development commissions across the six geo-political zones, a move he said would channel federal resources into infrastructure and human capital development nationwide.

Welcoming delegates to Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun reiterated that nation-building is a shared duty that transcends tribal, religious, political, and economic divides. He emphasized that unity does not equate to uniformity but rather a celebration of diversity underpinned by justice, equity, and respect. He described former legislators as embodiments of representative democracy, noting that beyond lawmaking, their oversight and grassroots representation continue to give voice to the people at the national level.

“You must be committed to a united, secure, and economically vibrant region. You must continue to support policies and programs that promote inclusive governance, human capital development, and inter-regional cooperation,” the governor charged.

At the event, the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, emphasized the significance of gatherings like the summit in addressing national issues during his opening speech. Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, cautioned Nigerians to remain vigilant against “pretenders” in politics, whom he characterized as driven by revenge and a thirst for power instead of genuine patriotism. Dogara noted that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the country is already beginning to witness signs of economic recovery.

In her remarks, former House Speaker Patricia Etteh highlighted the need for enhanced unity, communication, and a collective vision, stating that solidarity is essential for fostering peace and advancing democracy.

The National Coordinator of the summit, Hon. Raphael Igbokwe, reassured attendees that the forum would persist in its role as a source of solutions for Nigeria’s challenges, while encouraging local governments to work together with the federal government to advance the nation.