2027: 17 Ex-NASS Members Reject Tinubu’s Endorsement, Label It ‘Deceptive Manipulation’

No fewer than 17 former members of the National Assembly have dissociated themselves from a recent summit of ex-legislators convened to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Daily Trust reports that the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) endorsed Tinubu for a second term during a summit held on Saturday at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja. The event, convened by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, drew former legislators from across political divides. Notable attendees included former Senate Presidents Pius Anyim and Ken Nnamani, as well as former Speakers of the House of Representatives Patricia Etteh and Yakubu Dogara, among others.

According to reports, the NFFL declared full support for Tinubu’s reelection, emphasizing the need for him to complete two terms in office. Speakers at the summit, including former presiding officers, highlighted themes such as the entrenchment of rotational presidency between Nigeria’s North and South regions to promote national unity. The endorsement aligns with broader support from groups like the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which has also backed Tinubu for 2027, citing ongoing reforms in the economy and security sectors.

However, reacting swiftly to the endorsement, the group of 17 former lawmakers described the action as deceptive and driven by inducements rather than genuine consensus. In a joint statement issued on Saturday, they clarified that they were not part of any gathering organised under the banner of a Former Legislators’ Forum to endorse the President.

“We state clearly, firmly, and without apology: we are not, and will never be, part of any contrived summit of ex-legislators being hurriedly assembled to endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second term ambition,” the statement read.

The signatories alleged that the endorsement was a “staged political exercise” and warned Nigerians against being misled. They further claimed the gathering was “nothing but a cash and carry political carnival, a rented crowd of handpicked individuals assembled to manufacture artificial legitimacy.”

According to the group, a small clique cannot claim to represent hundreds of former lawmakers nationwide. “You cannot assemble a handful of loyalists behind closed doors, distribute inducements, and then falsely claim to speak for the conscience of hundreds of former legislators across Nigeria. That is deception. That is manipulation. That is democratic fraud,” they added.

The former lawmakers stressed that their names and identities must not be used without consent, declaring that “former legislators are not for sale. Our names are not commodities. Our legacy is not merchandise.” They argued that true political support should stem from governance performance, not orchestrated endorsements.

“If this administration believes it deserves a second term, let it present tangible results to Nigerians – security restored, hunger reduced, jobs created, and the economy stabilised. Endorsements do not govern a nation; performance does,” the statement emphasised.

The group announced its complete dissociation from the summit, rejecting any endorsement issued in its name and condemning the alleged monetisation of democratic institutions. “Our voices cannot be rented. Nigeria’s democracy will not be auctioned to the highest bidder,” they concluded.

The signatories include Hon. Sergius Oguns, Hon. Herman Hembe, Hon. Sam Okwu, Hon. Zakari Mohammed, Hon. Tom Zakari, Hon. Mohammed Soba, Hon. Chika Adamu, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim, and Hon. Tajudeen Ajagbe. Others are Hon. Supo Abiodun, Hon. Danlad Donald Olayonu, Hon. Abubakar Amuda Kannike, Hon. Rufus Omiri, Hon. Mayor Eze, Hon. Kamil Akinlabi, Hon. Shaaba Ibrahim, and Hon. Nkwo

This development has sparked mixed reactions on social media and among political analysts. On X (formerly Twitter), posts highlight growing discontent, with some users expressing regret over past support for Tinubu and predicting a challenging 2027 race. For instance, the Arewa Forum noted northern regrets over voting for him, while others like lawyer Jesutega Onokpasa warned of withdrawing support if policies aren’t adjusted. Conversely, endorsements from traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom and coalitions like BAT Vanguard show continued backing from certain quarters, targeting millions of votes.

As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, analysts suggest the political landscape is shifting, with opposition figures and governors potentially aligning or opposing Tinubu’s bid. The rejection by these ex-lawmakers underscores deepening divisions within political circles, raising questions about the administration’s performance amid economic challenges and security concerns.