2027: Southern, Middle-Belt leaders insist on South retaining presidency
Southern and Middle-Belt leaders have called for the presidency to remain in the Southern region in 2027 in order to promote peace and the political stability of Nigeria.
The leaders, who decried what they termed the “lack of internal democracy” as witnessed during the primaries of the political parties, also warned against any move to scuttle multi-party democracy in the country ahead of the polls.
Their position was conveyed in a communique issued after the regular general meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) held on Tuesday in Abuja.
The meeting was attended by delegates from member organisations – Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) – to discuss “issues of particular concern to the Nigerian nation.”
Afenifere leader, Chief Oladipo Olaitan; PANDEF President, Ambassador Godknows Igali; Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo; Bitrus Pogu; former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, among others, attended the meeting.
Chief Olaitan conveyed the decisions of the group by reading the communique.
SMBLF reiterated its earlier resolution that the “position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall remain in the southern region in the next (four) 4 years consequent on the 2027 general elections in the interest of national political stability.”
On internal democracy, the leaders noted, “SMBLF decried lack of internal democracy as witnessed in the on-going primaries in all the political parties.
“The essence of democracy is free choice by the people. The situation of one person or an oligarchy of a few choosing candidates in a political system that excludes independent candidates is antithetical to democracy and national development.
“Nigeria shall remain a thriving multi-party constitutional democracy which also allows for independent candidacy.”
The leaders, while urging the judiciary to remain truly independent, pointed out the duty of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be the sole body to conduct fair, free and credible elections as well as provide proof of the winners.
“SMBLF insists that the burden of proof of fair, free and credible elections should henceforth be borne by the Independent Electoral Commission,” the leaders stressed.
The leaders declared full backing for state police but recommended that state governors must have the powers to appoint and remove State Commissioners of Police, just as the President retains the authority to appoint the Inspector-General of Police.
They demanded true federalism/restructuring of the country, which they said would be achieved through a new constitution accommodating the interests of all stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
The communique reads further, “SMBLF welcomes State Police, of which we have been the advocate of the years but insists that State Police should reflect true federalism and not a Federal-State Police.
“To that end, State Governors shall have the same power to appoint or remove a Commissioner of Police as the President in relation to the Inspector-General of Police.
“SMBLF insists on a new Constitution that reflects True Federalism and shall mobilise the people to vote for a Presidential Candidate that will give the people of Nigeria a new Constitution.”
The leaders acknowledged and commended recent efforts by the government and security agencies in parts of the country to strengthen security and reassure the citizenry of their safety.
“SMBLF recognised and appreciated the renewed efforts and successes of the armed forces on the state of security, particularly in Oyo, Zamfara, Borno and urged renewed momentum in the Middle Belt, particularly Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi.
“SMBLF calls on the Federal Government to intensify actions including collaboration with our neighbours and the international community,” the leaders added.
