2027: Zone presidency to south, reject delays in state police,

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

The Southern and Middle-Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has called for the retention of Nigeria’s presidency in the South ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning political parties against abandoning the zoning arrangement it described as critical to national stability.

In a communique issued after its emergency meeting at the weekend, the forum urged all political parties to nominate southern presidential candidates at their upcoming congresses and conventions, insisting that power rotation has become part of Nigeria’s democratic culture since 1999.

The influential bloc, comprising Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, PANDEF and the Middle Belt Forum, also demanded a truly Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while raising concerns over controversial sections of the Electoral Act which it said could undermine the credibility of future elections.

On insecurity, SMBLF accused authorities of giving ‘red-carpet treatment’ to repentant terrorists, while victims remain displaced in IDP camps and ancestral lands allegedly occupied by insurgents.

The group called for tougher military action to reclaim communities and farmlands.

The forum also rejected the proposed 60-month timeline for the establishment of state police, describing the delay as dangerous amid worsening insecurity.

It argued that regional security outfits such as Amotekun have already shown that state policing could be implemented faster and more effectively.

SMBLF further criticised plans to transfer 60 percent of federal police personnel to their states of origin, calling the proposal counter-productive and unacceptable.

On foreign affairs, the group condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, urging the Federal Government to protect citizens abroad and arrange evacuation for Nigerians willing to return home.

The forum renewed its longstanding call for restructuring, insisting that Nigeria must embrace “true federalism” by granting greater autonomy to states and ethnic nationalities.

It also urged the Federal Government to intensify support for local refineries and end dependence on imported petroleum products.

The communique was signed by SMBLF chairman and Afenifere leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan; President of the Middle Belt Forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu; Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader, Senator John Azuta-Mbata and PANDEF chairman, Ambassador Godknows Igali.