The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has restated its firm position that the 2027 presidential ticket must be zoned to Southern Nigeria, urging political parties to respect the country’s long-standing rotation principle.
The Forum made the declaration in a communiqué issued after its General Meeting read by Oba Oladipo Olaitan in Abuja.
SMBLF reminded the nation of its earlier 2021 resolution, which emphasised that after the North completed its constitutional eight-year tenure under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, fairness and equity demand that power return to the South.
The Forum urged political parties currently conducting congresses and conventions to ensure their presidential candidates for 2027 emerge from the South, stressing that the zoning arrangement has helped sustain Nigeria’s democratic balance since 1999.
Beyond the political concerns, the Forum expressed deep worry over the worsening insecurity across the country.
It noted that more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s landmass is currently ungoverned, leaving communities vulnerable to attacks.
While reaffirming confidence in the Armed Forces, SMBLF maintained that security agencies are overstretched and lack sufficient personnel to effectively manage the situation.
The Forum called for an immediate end to the reintegration of so-called “deradicalized” terrorists into communities, describing the programme as a threat to public safety.
It expressed solidarity with indigenous communities facing violent attacks and encouraged them to take lawful measures to defend themselves.
In its push for lasting security reforms, SMBLF insisted that Nigeria must adopt state and community policing without further delay.
It welcomed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s endorsement of state police and announced the formation of a 12-member committee of security experts to contribute to the national framework for its implementation.
On the economy, the Forum expressed concern over the rising hardship faced by Nigerians amid global economic pressures.
It reiterated its longstanding call for restructuring to give states and ethnic nationalities greater autonomy in line with true federalism.
SMBLF also urged the Federal Government to support local crude oil refineries and produce a clear plan to end the importation of refined petroleum products.
The Forum reaffirmed its commitment to fostering national unity, strengthening democratic processes, and encouraging citizens to take greater interest in the governance and development of the country.
Leaders of Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Middle Belt Forum, and PANDEF were in attendance, alongside delegates from member states and the National Christian Elders Forum (NCEF).
By Georgina Humphrey
