Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has ignited the political landscape with a fervent call for northern leaders to coalesce around President Tinubu’s pursuit of a second term in office. This appeal, delivered during the 2025 Dialogue Session of the Northern Caucus of the National Forum of Former Legislators in Abuja, underscores the strategic importance of the northern region in Tinubu’s political calculus. Gbajabiamila’s address positioned Tinubu as a leader deeply committed to fostering national unity and implementing inclusive governance, emphasizing the equitable distribution of policies and projects across all regions.
Gbajabiamila’s call to action urges the forum to actively mobilize support for both the ongoing Tinubu administration and his ambition for a second term. He underscored Tinubu’s national leadership qualities, transcending regional affiliations, and highlighted the tangible benefits accruing to the North under Tinubu’s leadership. These benefits, he argued, encompass critical infrastructure development and policy reforms, demonstrating Tinubu’s commitment to equitable and shared prosperity. The call for a second term is framed as a necessity to allow President Tinubu to complete the foundational work he has initiated.
The Chairman of the National Forum of Former Legislators, Nnanna Igbokwe, lauded the Northern Caucus for their “bold and patriotic stand” in endorsing Tinubu’s second-term bid. He characterized this resolution as an act of statesmanship, transcending narrow regional or personal interests, and expressed confidence that other regions would emulate this example of unity and continuity. This endorsement signifies a significant boost for Tinubu’s political aspirations, showcasing cross-regional support.
The Northern Caucus, following their deliberations, formalized their support through a communiqué endorsing the concept of a Southern Presidency and specifically backing Tinubu’s second-term aspiration. The communiqué, signed by Rufai Chanchangi, the Coordinator of the Northern Caucus, and Atiwurcha, the Secretary, articulated their commitment to national unity and the principle of power rotation between the North and South. They advocated for the South to complete its tenure, arguing that this would serve the best interests of the North.
Gbajabiamila’s call to action and the subsequent endorsement by the Northern Caucus represent a significant political maneuver. It underscores the importance of securing broad-based support, cutting across regional divides, for Tinubu’s presidential ambitions. By emphasizing the benefits accruing to the North under Tinubu’s leadership, Gbajabiamila aimed to solidify support within a critical voting bloc. This strategy aims to counter potential narratives that might portray Tinubu as prioritizing Southern interests.
The Northern Caucus’s endorsement of a Southern Presidency and Tinubu’s second term is a strategic move with potential implications for the broader political landscape. It signals a potential shift in political alliances and may influence the strategies of other political actors. By framing their endorsement as a matter of national unity and stability, the Caucus aims to garner broader support for Tinubu’s candidacy. It also sets the stage for intensified political maneuvering and coalition-building as the next presidential election draws closer. This development underscores the dynamic nature of Nigerian politics and the importance of regional alliances in shaping the trajectory of national leadership.
