Amosun Backs Tinubu’s Second-Term Bid, Insists South Must Complete Eight-Year Presidential Tenure

Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator, Ibikunle Amosun, has thrown his weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general election, arguing that fairness, equity, and national stability demand that the South completes an eight-year presidential tenure. Amosun maintained that Nigeria’s long-standing rotational arrangement between the North and South must be respected if the country is to sustain unity and political balance.

Speaking on Sunday at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta during an All Progressives Congress (APC) gathering held to mark his 68th birthday, Amosun reaffirmed his loyalty to the ruling party and openly declared support for Tinubu’s second term. He stressed that zoning is not merely a political convenience but a stabilising principle that has helped manage Nigeria’s diversity.

Amosun Call for Respect for Zoning and Rotation

Amosun emphasised that Nigeria’s informal rotational agreement has been instrumental in fostering inclusiveness among the country’s regions. According to him, respecting the turn-by-turn arrangement between the North and South is essential for sustaining trust in the political system.

He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari, from the North, completed two terms in office, adding that equity requires that the South be allowed to do the same under President Tinubu. Amosun described this logic as “a no-brainer” for anyone genuinely interested in Nigeria’s unity and fairness.

The former governor further noted that while President Tinubu comes from the South-West, his leadership transcends regional boundaries. He argued that the presidency belongs to all Nigerians, even as regional balance remains an important consideration in power sharing.

Tinubu’s Presidency and National Representation

In his remarks, Amosun underlined that Tinubu’s administration represents the collective interests of the nation rather than those of a single zone. He said that although the South-West produced the president, the benefits and responsibilities of leadership are national in scope.

He maintained that observing the rotational principle would help reduce political tension and reinforce the idea of shared ownership of power. For Amosun, continuity under Tinubu would also provide the stability needed for policies and reforms to mature.

The former senator warned that abandoning zoning midway could deepen divisions and undermine confidence in the political process, particularly among regions that feel marginalised.

Optimism Over Ongoing Reforms

Amosun also used the occasion to defend the current administration’s reform agenda, noting that while the changes may be challenging, early signs suggest they are beginning to yield positive outcomes. He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, expressing confidence that the benefits would become more evident over time.

He aligned his optimism with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, stating that structural reforms often require time before their full impact is felt. According to him, sustained support and stability are crucial for translating policies into tangible dividends of democracy.

The former governor appealed to citizens to look beyond short-term discomforts and focus on the long-term gains of economic and governance reforms.

Reaffirmation of Loyalty to the APC

Describing himself as a founding leader of the APC in Ogun State, Amosun reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party. He insisted that the history of the APC in the state cannot be told without acknowledging his role and that of other early leaders.

He singled out former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, as a central figure in the party’s formation, placing himself among those who were at the forefront of building the APC in the state. Amosun cautioned against internal actions that could weaken the party, stressing the importance of preserving what had been collectively built.

His remarks were seen as both a reminder of his political legacy in Ogun State and a call for unity within the party as preparations gradually begin for future elections.

High-Profile Attendance at Abeokuta Event

The birthday event attracted several prominent APC figures and political stakeholders, underscoring its significance within the party. Among those present were former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Lekan Adegbite; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Tunji Isola; and former Central Bank of Nigeria Deputy Governor, Tunde Lemo.

Also in attendance were former Senators Iyabo Anisulowo and Gbenga Obadara, alongside other party leaders and supporters. Their presence highlighted Amosun’s continued relevance within the APC and the broader political landscape