Ex-Speakers endorse Tinubu for re-election, vow nationwide rally

Subsidy was draining Nigeria’s resources, Nwifuru defends reform

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Former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, pledging to mobilise their members across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for his re-election in 2027.

The Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (FOPSHAN) also endorsed the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, and resolved to take the Renewed Hope Agenda to Nigerians at the grassroots.

The resolutions were adopted at the forum’s National Summit held on Thursday in Abuja with the theme “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope – Affecting the Economic Trajectory and Digital Leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Administration.”

The summit was chaired by former Senate President Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, while First Lady Oluremi Tinubu attended as Special Guest of Honour. It was hosted by FOPSHAN National Chairman Senator Wasiu Esinlokun.

The forum’s Board of Trustees is chaired by Ebonyi State Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, a former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

In its first resolution, FOPSHAN said it “fully endorses the bold economic reforms” of the Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, noting that the short-term difficulties required a focus on long-term economic prosperity.

The forum then took a decisive political position, unanimously endorsing Tinubu for a second term.

“In recognition of the President’s colourful, visionary leadership and commitment to national development, FOPSHAN unanimously endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a second term in office in the 2027 general elections,” the resolution stated.

The former presiding officers pledged to mobilise their members nationwide in support of the President and resolved to take the summit’s message to all 36 states and the FCT.

Under the resolution, former legislators at the national, state and local government levels are to engage Nigerians, explain government policies and programmes and mobilise support for the administration.

The forum also appealed to the First Lady to adopt its members as ambassadors in the campaign, particularly to explain the administration’s social intervention programmes targeting women, children and vulnerable groups.

It further called on President Tinubu and state governors to draw on the legislative experience of former presiding officers in government appointments and policy formulation.

“The conference calls on the President and governors to continue to tap into the wealth of legislative experience of former presiding officers in appointments and policy formulation for the good governance of the country,” the resolution stated.

On party affairs, FOPSHAN reaffirmed its commitment to the unity, progress and success of the All Progressives Congress and urged members to close ranks in support of the administration at all levels.

Earlier, Nwifuru used his address to stress the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislature, drawing on his experience as a former Speaker.

“Those years taught me an enduring lesson. Governance is not the responsibility of the executive alone; it is a partnership between institutions,” he said.

He said the economic reforms should ultimately translate into increased productive capacity, urging greater investment in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education, energy and technology.

“We must invest in agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, education, energy and technology. We must create an environment where Nigerians can produce more, businesses can grow and young people can find meaningful opportunities,” he said.

Nwifuru also urged stronger legislative oversight and greater fiscal responsibility, alongside the strengthening of democratic institutions and devolution of powers.

He said former presiding officers had a continuing role to play in national development.

“We have occupied the chambers where laws are made, scrutinised and voices of our constituents were amplified. We therefore cannot afford to be spectators in the journey of national development,” he said.

The governor urged the former lawmakers to deploy their experience in support of good governance and democratic development.