News
Former Lawmakers Back Tinubu for 2027, Push Rotational Presidency
By Gloria Ikibah
The National Forum of Former Legislators has endorsed President Bola Tinubu as its preferred candidate for the 2027 general election and passed a vote of confidence in his administration and leadership.
The endorsement was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the forum’s national summit, themed National Unity and Nation Building, which was held in Abuja on Saturday.
The group also formally adopted Tinubu as its sole candidate for the next presidential election.
Presenting the communiqué, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Babangida Nguroje, said the forum supports the inclusion of a rotational presidency in the Constitution, alternating between the northern and southern regions of the country.
The forum further called for the presidency to return to the North after the completion of the current southern-led administration under President Tinubu, describing the arrangement as essential for national unity and balanced governance.
“In keeping with the spirit of equity, inclusion and national balance, we affirm that the presidency should return to the Northern region in 2031 by the grace of God after the completion of the southern presidency and the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
“To eliminate doubts, reduce political tension, and build enduring trust between the northern and southern regions, we call for the principle of rotational presidency to be enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In order to consolidate reforms, strengthen national unity and deepen democratic governance, we collectively resolve that the current President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should be supported to complete a full eight-year term.
“We, therefore, pass a vote of absolute confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu and his leadership and adopt him as our sole candidate for the 2027 general election,” the communique read in parts.
In his remarks, the Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, emphasised the importance of national unity, a principle he said the forum strongly represents.
He noted that for Nigeria to play a meaningful role in shaping the emerging global order, the country must first achieve a shared sense of purpose at home.
Gbajabiamila stated that Nigerians are fortunate to be led at this critical time by a President who understands both the strengths and vulnerabilities of the nation’s diversity, and who recognises that unity should never be undermined by narrow interests or short-term political ambitions.
He added that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria’s future will not be shaped by those who exploit historical divisions to fuel discord. Instead, the administration remains committed to engaging citizens across all lines with fairness, inclusion and shared responsibility, while strengthening national unity through balanced development and responsive governance.
“Yet achieving national unity is not the responsibility of government alone. Political actors such as those gathered here occupy a uniquely influential position. Your words shape public discourse. Your conduct models acceptable behaviour. Your choices either expand or constrain the space for cooperation.
“Building unity across ethnic and tribal lines requires deliberate effort, sustained dialogue, cross-regional alliances, and inclusive narratives that affirm the dignity of all groups. This does not require the erasure of difference. It requires the recognition that diversity can be a source of strength when governed by fairness and mutual respect,” he said.
Gbajabiamila noted that the principle of a rotational presidency between North and South stood as one of the clearest expressions of principled compromise in the service of national interest.
According to him, this principle was not born of weakness, but of the wisdom of earlier generations of political leaders who understood that in a diverse nation such as Nigeria, inclusion is the foundation of stability.
“This arrangement was deliberately designed to manage our differences, ease tensions, prevent needless conflict, and keep Nigeria steadily moving forward on the path of unity and progress. Those who now seek to upend this understanding in pursuit of narrow, short-term political ambitions must pause and reflect.
“No personal aspiration, no transient political gain, should be allowed to endanger the hard-won balance that sustains our country or to place individual desires above the enduring interests of Nigeria and the collective well-being of its people,” he added.
The Chief of Staff, acknowledged that a critical challenge facing Nigerian politics is the temptation to mobilise identity as a shortcut to power, noting that ethnic and tribal affiliations, deeply rooted in history and culture, can easily be transformed into instruments of political exclusion.
He stated that the Tinubu presidency made fairness, openness and broad participation core principles of how government operates, saying a historic milestone has been reached as each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones now got its own development commission.
Gbajabiamila said the government had advanced numerous initiatives built on the foundation of national unity with infrastructure development positioned as a unifying force.
“The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road under construction, crossing several southern states, and the ongoing Sokoto–Badagry highway, connecting Nigeria’s far North to the South-West, represent more than trade routes—they create pathways for inter-ethnic interaction and mutual appreciation,” he added.
For his part, Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau said as the nation navigates challenges of governance, national cohesion, economic reform, and institutional trust, the wisdom of those who had “been there” is more needed than ever.
He said platforms such as the summit provide an opportunity to reflect, mentor, advise, and contribute constructively to national discourse beyond partisan divides.
Barau assured that the leadership of the National Assembly remains open to collaboration with NFFL and similar bodies on the conviction governance does not end with tenure and patriotism is a lifelong duty.
In his opening remarks, NFFL National Coordinator, Raphael Igbokwe stated that the forum had at its regional summits resolved that the southern region completes a eight year tenure of presidency through Tinubu as bringing another person from the region is tantamount to giving a blank check for tenure elongation.
He commended the present administration for its numerous reforms and urge it to remain focused on turning around the socio-economic fortunes of the country for the benefit of all Nigerians.
Also urged the federal government to intensify efforts towards “identifying, exposing and prosecuting sponsors of terrorism, ensuring that they face the full route of the law” while calling on all citizens to promote ethnic and religious tolerance.
Nigeria’s economic reform programme under President Bola
Tinubu is steadily moving the country away from a cycle of economic vulnerability toward a more stable and growth driven path.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, stated this during a press briefing at the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington D.C.
He explained that the policy measures introduced since mid 2023 were designed not as temporary fixes but as structural changes that can sustain themselves over time while strengthening the economy against external shocks.
Edun noted that the global environment in which the meetings are taking place remains highly uncertain, with export tensions, trade disruptions and tightening financial conditions continuing to weigh on economies across the world.
Within this context, he said Nigeria’s approach is anchored on credible and disciplined macroeconomic management aimed at building lasting prosperity.
According to him, key reforms including the move to a market reflective foreign exchange system and the deregulation of fuel pricing are beginning to restore balance and reduce long standing distortions in the economy.
He added that these measures are already improving Nigeria’s capacity to absorb shocks that originate from outside its borders.
On inflation, Edun acknowledged that pressures remain, largely driven by energy costs, food prices and logistics challenges. However, he pointed out that government is responding through targeted social protection programmes and ongoing agricultural interventions to cushion the impact on citizens.
The Minister stressed that fiscal discipline remains central to the reform effort, with a clear departure from inefficient subsidy regimes and a renewed focus on prudent resource management.
Providing an update on key indicators, Edun said economic growth has exceeded four per cent, external reserves have risen to about 50 billion dollars and inflation is beginning to ease gradually. He added that public debt remains within sustainable limits.
Beyond the numbers, he said the reforms are unlocking domestic production and restoring confidence within the private sector.
The Minister cited major investments such as the Dangote Refinery as tangible evidence of renewed investor confidence, while noting that small and medium enterprises are benefiting from improved incentives.
He stated that Nigeria is now moving from stabilisation to a phase of accelerated growth and job creation, with power, agriculture, infrastructure and digital innovation expected to drive expansion.
Edun also disclosed that development partners at the meetings reaffirmed their support for Nigeria’s reform priorities, while investor interest continues to grow across energy, agribusiness and infrastructure sectors.
According to him, Nigeria is also pushing for reforms at the global level to reduce the cost of capital for developing countries, which remains a major constraint to growth.
The Minister expressed confidence that the country’s standing in the global economy is improving as its reform efforts gain recognition, adding that the policies will ultimately deliver sustainable growth and reduce poverty.
He further commended members of the Nigerian delegation and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to attracting investment and strengthening development partnerships.
In the same vein, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, said the country remains firmly committed to sustaining reforms and preserving macroeconomic stability.
He explained that the meetings provided an opportunity to review Nigeria’s progress and reinforce institutional capacity needed to support long term economic resilience.
Cardoso noted that despite persistent global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures, Nigeria has been able to contain external shocks through improved exchange rate stability and stronger reserves.
The Central Bank Governor emphasised that consistency in reform implementation is critical to building long term investor confidence.
Highlighting developments in the financial sector, he said the ongoing banking sector recapitalisation has mobilised 4.65 trillion naira in new capital.
As at the March 31 deadline, 33 banks had met the new capital requirements, significantly strengthening the resilience of the financial system and its ability to support economic growth.
He added that the exercise attracted strong participation from both domestic and international investors, reflecting sustained confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
Cardoso expressed optimism that continued reforms will reinforce stability, sustain growth and attract further investment into the economy.
News
Gov. Oborevwori, Prof. Osunbor, Sen. Dafinone, others to grace TheNewsGuru Editor’s book launch
Abuja, Nigeria – Organisers of the forthcoming public presentation of “Journalism NeXt: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Journalism” have announced a distinguished lineup of eminent personalities expected to grace the book launch.
The book, authored by Editor of TheNewsGuru (TNG), Ediri Oyibo, is scheduled for official unveiling on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Utako, Abuja at 2:00 pm.
Leading the list of dignitaries is the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, who will attend as Special Guest of Honour, while former Governor of Edo State and two-term Senator, Prof. Oserheimen Osunbor, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion.
The book will be reviewed by Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, Founder and Executive Director of the Make A Difference Initiative (MADI).
The event will also feature the presentation of research findings by the author on the state of journalism in Nigeria, with a focus on challenges faced by journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Other dignitaries expected at the event include Senator Ede Dafinone, Delta Central, Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, Delta South; Senator Ned Nwoko, Delta North; Hon. Benedict Etanabene, Member representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, and Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Publisher of TheNewsGuru (TNG).
Others are Dr. Dili Ezughah, Executive Secretary and CEO, Nigerian Press Council (NPC); Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Comr. Alhassan Yahya Abdul, National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among others.
“Journalism NeXt: A Comprehensive Guide to Modern Journalism” explores the transformation of journalism in the digital era, addressing issues such as media ethics, innovation, sustainability, and the evolving role of journalists in a rapidly changing information ecosystem.
Organisers say the event is expected to attract journalists, media entrepreneurs, academics, policymakers, students, and members of the public, providing a platform for robust engagement and networking.
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, on Saturday received two honours at the Silver Jubilee Awards of Independent Newspapers, in what is described as a recognition of his administration’s performance, particularly in urban development.
The awards—Outstanding Independent Governor and Best Independent Governor in Urban Renewal (2025)—were presented at a ceremony held at Eko Hotels and Suites, as part of activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
The awards were determined through a combination of public voting and rigorous assessment by a jury and the organisation’s board, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Independent Newspapers, Steve Omanufeme, said.
He congratulated the recipients and disclosed that further activities to mark the silver jubilee would continue later in the year.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, described the awards as a reflection of the administration’s impact since assuming office in 2023.
Speaking with journalists after the event, Onyeme said, “It is very evident to all Nigerians, especially Deltans, that our governor has significantly changed the narrative since assuming office in 2023.
“Today, he stands out as one of the best governors in the area of urban renewal. The impact is visible and undeniable.”
He pointed to ongoing infrastructure development across the state, noting that Delta, as one of Nigeria’s most urbanised states, has witnessed rapid transformation within a short period.
According to him, projects such as flyovers in Ughelli, Warri, Effurun, and Enerhen Junction have improved traffic flow while enhancing the functionality of major urban centres.
Onyeme also disclosed that the administration had delivered about 300 kilometres of roads in the past year, describing it as a major step towards addressing infrastructure deficits.
“When organisations carry out independent assessments and recognise this administration, it does not come as a surprise. The results speak for themselves,” he said.
He added that the recognition would serve as motivation for the government to sustain its development efforts.
“We have not rested, and we will not rest. We were elected to serve the people of Delta State, and we remain committed to that promise. The more responsibility we are given, the more we will deliver,” he said.
The deputy governor further noted that Oborevwori remained focused on leaving a lasting legacy, driven by what he described as a strong commitment to service.
“His desire is to ensure that before he leaves office after his second tenure, the difference will be clear and undeniable. He aims to set a standard that future administrations must strive to meet or surpass,” he added.
Tinubu reforms shift Nigeria from fragility to growth as global pressures mount(Photos)
Gov. Oborevwori, Prof. Osunbor, Sen. Dafinone, others to grace TheNewsGuru Editor’s book launch
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