***Applauds Unity for National Progress
By Fatima Ndagi
Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called on Northern political leaders to rally behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term bid, describing him as a unifying figure with a proven commitment to inclusive national development.
Speaking at the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators, held Thursday in Abuja, Gbajabiamila urged the group to throw its full weight behind Tinubu’s leadership and vision.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s future depends on unity, political stability, and a collective commitment to sustaining developmental momentum.
“President Tinubu is not just a Southern leader; he is a national leader who has carried every region along,” Gbajabiamila said. “From infrastructure to policy reform, the North is already seeing the results of a government that believes in equity and shared prosperity.”
He highlighted key projects in Northern Nigeria—including road networks, rail expansion, and agricultural revitalization—as signs of the administration’s inclusive approach to governance.
“We are laying solid foundations today. It is only right that the President is allowed to finish what he started,” he added.
Following deliberations, the Northern Caucus issued a communiqué endorsing Tinubu’s second-term ambition and reaffirming its support for the principle of power rotation between North and South.
The communiqué, jointly signed by Hon. Rufai Chanchangi, Coordinator of the Northern Caucus, and Hon. Atiwurcha, Secretary of the Caucus, stated:
“As partners in nation-building, we support principles that unite us as one people. We stand by the unifying foundation of our country which supports the rotation of power between the North and the South. We believe it is in the best interest of the North and the nation for the incumbent to complete the Southern tenure.”
In his remarks, National Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe, hailed the Northern Caucus for what he described as a “bold and patriotic decision.”
“This resolution is a powerful show of statesmanship,” Igbokwe said. “It represents leadership that rises above regional or personal interests. I am confident other zones will emulate this example in the spirit of unity and continuity.”
The 2025 Dialogue Session is part of a wider series of consultations organized by the National Forum of Former Legislators to promote inclusive governance and support a smooth democratic transition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
