Ex-Speakers endorse Tinubu for second term, vow grassroots mobilisation

Former Speakers and Deputy Speakers of State Houses of Assembly under the Forum of Former Presiding Officers of State Houses of Assembly of Nigeria (FOPSHAN) have endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

The forum also resolved to mobilise its members and supporters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to garner grassroots support for the President. The resolutions were adopted at FOPSHAN’s National Summit held in Abuja on Thursday.

The summit, themed “Bold Leadership, Bold Reforms: From Subsidy to Renewed Hope,” focused on the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and their implications for the country.

The former presiding officers also commended the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of petrol subsidy, while acknowledging the immediate difficulties associated with the policy.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who attended the summit as Special Guest of Honour, urged former Speakers and Deputy Speakers to remain active in public service despite leaving political office.

She said their experience and networks remained valuable to Nigeria, urging them to use the forum to strengthen democratic institutions, mentor younger legislators and preserve institutional memory.

“This summit is a celebration of service, leadership, experience and sacrifice. Leaving political office should never mean leaving public service,” she said.

On the endorsement of President Tinubu, the First Lady said it was significant because it came from people who had previously presided over legislative institutions.