Abuja: The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has reiterated its demand that the Southern region should produce the next president of Nigeria in the 2027 general elections. The forum made its position known in a communiqu© issued at the end of its regular general meeting held on Tuesday at the Abuja liaison office of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the communiqu© was read by the Chairman of the Forum and leader of Afenifere, Oladipo Olaitan. The meeting was attended by delegates from the four-member organizations of the forum: Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and PANDEF. The forum declared that their stance on the 2027 presidency was in the interest of national political stability, advocating that the presidency should remain in the South for the next four years following the general elections.
The forum also expressed concerns over the lack of internal democracy in the ongoing primaries of political parties, highlighting that democracy’s essence lies in the free choice by the people. They criticized a system where candidates are chosen by one individual or a select few as being contrary to democratic principles and national development. The forum called for Nigeria to maintain a thriving multi-party constitutional democracy that allows for independent candidacy.
Addressing the issue of insecurity, the group acknowledged the renewed efforts and successes of the Armed Forces, particularly in Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno. However, they urged the Federal Government to sustain these efforts and intensify security operations in the Middle Belt, particularly in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi states. The forum also advocated for stronger collaboration with Nigeria’s neighboring countries and the international community to combat insecurity effectively.
On the judiciary, the SMBLF urged the institution to remain truly independent and committed to its constitutional responsibility of interpreting the Constitution and laws in the interest of peace, stability, and national development. Regarding elections, the forum insisted that the burden of proof for ensuring free, fair, and credible elections should rest with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The SMBLF welcomed the proposed establishment of state police, noting that it had long advocated for this initiative. However, they insisted that state police must reflect true federalism and not transform into a ‘Federal State Police.’ The group stated that state governors should possess the same authority to appoint or remove commissioners of police as the President has concerning the Inspector-General of Police.
On the topic of restructuring, the forum reiterated its demand for a new Constitution that would embody true federalism. They vowed to mobilize Nigerians to support and vote for a presidential candidate committed to delivering a new Constitution for the country.
Prominent leaders at the meeting included former Akwa Ibom Governor Victor Attah, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Godknows Igali, and Prof. Bitrus Pogu, among others.