FOPSHAN backs Tinubu's 2027 re-election, vows 11 million votes at Abuja summit
Former presiding officers of Nigeria's State Houses of Assembly (FOPSHAN) endorsed President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid during their national summit at Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. The forum, themed "Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms," acknowledged short-term hardships from petrol subsidy removal but praised it as a necessary step for sustainable development.
Members resolved to mobilize over 11 million votes for Tinubu in 2027 and reaffirmed support for key reforms including state police establishment, regional development commissions, and local government autonomy. FOPSHAN National Secretary Matog Dogara read a motion urging Tinubu to continue leading Nigeria for a second term, which all members adopted.
The forum also endorsed First Lady Oluremi Tinubu as their grand patron. Former Senate President Pius Anyim described Tinubu as "not a politician of today" but a statesman implementing visionary reforms for Nigeria's future, while former Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong noted macroeconomic progress from World Bank assessments but stressed these gains must translate to tangible improvements in Nigerians' lives through infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development.
Former Bayelsa State Speaker Heineken Lokpobiri, now Minister of State for Petroleum, highlighted that Nigeria had zero petroleum sector investment for over a decade before Tinubu's administration, arguing the subsidy removal was essential to attract future investments. Forum Chairman Wasiu Eshilokun emphasized that reform success depends on quality implementation and institutional strength.
With Nigeria facing ongoing economic challenges from recent reforms, FOPSHAN's endorsement signals significant legislative backing for Tinubu's continuation. Will this unified support from former legislative leaders strengthen public confidence in the administration's reform agenda, or deepen concerns about political consolidation ahead of the 2027 elections?