The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has called on political parties to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, while also demanding the establishment of state police and constitutional restructuring.
The position was reached at the Forum’s general meeting held in Abuja, where delegates from key regional groups deliberated on national issues ahead of the next general elections.
Participants at the meeting included representatives of Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Reading the communiqué, Chairman of the Forum and leader of Afenifere, Oladipo Olaitan, said zoning the presidency to the South is necessary to maintain political balance and national stability.
The Forum stated that power rotation between the North and South has remained part of Nigeria’s democratic practice since 1999.
It added that the next president should emerge from the South, following the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari from Northern Nigeria.
The group urged political parties to reflect this position as they prepare for congresses and conventions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond zoning, the Forum called for urgent constitutional amendments to establish state and community policing as part of efforts to address insecurity across the country.
It said the current policing structure is inadequate, noting that manpower and intelligence capacity remain insufficient to tackle the scale of security challenges.
The Forum also announced the formation of a 12-member committee of security experts to develop frameworks for implementing state policing.
SMBLF expressed concern over insecurity in several parts of the country, stating that many areas remain under-policed.
While reaffirming confidence in the armed forces, the group called for a review of the policy on reintegration of deradicalised individuals, citing national security considerations.
It also urged citizens to take lawful measures to protect themselves, while expressing solidarity with communities affected by violent attacks.
On governance, the Forum reiterated its demand for restructuring, calling for a more decentralised federal system that grants greater autonomy to states and ethnic nationalities.
It said such reforms are necessary to strengthen governance and align Nigeria’s system with principles of true federalism.
The group also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to address economic hardship, including support for local refining capacity and measures to reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.
The meeting, held at the Abuja liaison office of PANDEF, was attended by leaders including Bitrus Pogu, John Azuta-Mbata, Godknows Igali, and members of the National Christian Elders Forum led by Samuel Danjuma Gani.
The Forum’s resolutions highlight ongoing political and constitutional debates ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly on zoning, security reforms and federal structure.
