The Southern Forum of Former Legislators has endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its sole presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

Samson Osagie, Attorney-General of Edo State and a former legislator, read the forum’s communiqué at the close of its summit in Abeokuta on Saturday. The group, which comprises former lawmakers at state, federal, and local government levels across the 17 southern states, held the event under the theme “National Unity: Bedrock for Nation Building.”

The communiqué commended Tinubu’s reforms, including the establishment of Regional Development Commissions, the student loan scheme, and deregulation of the electricity sector. It argued that the President should complete the South’s two-term leadership of the country, after which power could return to the North in 2031.

“We affirm that it is the turn of the South to complete its tenure,” the forum stated. “Accordingly, we adopt President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the South.”

Chief of Staff to the President and National Convener of the forum, Femi Gbajabiamila, described Tinubu as a “generational leader” deserving of continued support. He said Tinubu’s policies were aimed at building a vibrant Nigeria capable of solving its infrastructural, food security, and security challenges.

“The argument for President Tinubu to complete his eight-year term has been made loud and clear,” Gbajabiamila said. “For the sake of unity, equity, and fairness, the President deserves another term. Beyond that, he is taking bold steps to reset the nation for a greater tomorrow.”

Other speakers at the summit included former Senate President Ken Nnamani, who praised the initiative; and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, who described Tinubu as a visionary leader implementing critical reforms.

The event was attended by several prominent figures, including the forum’s National Coordinator, Raphael Igbokwe; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh; former Senate Leader, Victor Ndoma-Egba; and former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, alongside members of the Northern caucus.