Southern, Middle Belt leaders urge parties to zone 2027 presidential tickets to South
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called on political parties to zone their 2027 presidential tickets to the southern region of the country in the interest of national political stability.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Sunday in Kaduna after an emergency meeting of the forum.
The communiqué was jointly signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, leader of Afenifere and chairman of SMBLF; Bitrus Pogu, president of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF); John Mbata; and Godknows Igali.
The forum also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain independence in managing political party affairs and conducting elections.
SMBLF expressed concerns over some sections of the Electoral Act, warning that unresolved provisions could undermine electoral integrity and heighten political tension. It said a special committee had been established to review the contentious sections with the aim of promoting free, fair, and credible elections.
The group also called on the judiciary to remain independent and committed to its constitutional role of interpreting laws in ways that support peace, stability, and democratic progress.
On insecurity, the forum criticised what it described as preferential treatment and incentives allegedly extended to repentant terrorists under amnesty programmes. It argued that many victims of terrorism remain displaced in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps while their communities remain inaccessible.
According to the communiqué, Nigerians expect stronger action from the government to reclaim communities and farmlands occupied by terrorists and restore displaced citizens to their ancestral homes.
SMBLF, however, commended the armed forces for efforts in protecting lives, property, and the country’s territorial integrity, while expressing concern that security agencies are overstretched due to inadequate manpower.
The forum urged the President and Commander-in-Chief to improve personnel strength across security agencies to enhance national security.
It also criticised the proposed 60-month timeline for implementing state police as contained in recommendations reportedly published by Tunji Disu, insisting that the current security situation requires more urgent action to establish state and community policing.
The group further raised concerns over xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in South Africa and urged the federal government to facilitate the return of Nigerians willing to come back home.
SMBLF also appealed to the government to intensify efforts to ease citizens’ hardship by supporting local crude oil refineries and reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products.
