SMBLF Insists South Must Produce Nigeria’s Next President

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, says Nigeria’s next President should come from the South after the 2027 general election.

The Forum said the position is necessary to promote national unity and political stability.

The resolution is contained in a communiqué read by the Chairman of the Forum and Leader of Afenifere, Chief Oladipo Olaitan in Abuja.

It also expresses concern over what it described as the lack of internal democracy in political parties, saying the practice of a few individuals selecting candidates weakens democracy.

The communique calls for the introduction of independent candidacy to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system.

On security, it commends the Armed Forces for recent successes in Oyo, Zamfara and Borno States, but urges the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity in Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara and Kogi States through greater collaboration with neighbouring countries and the international community.

According to the communque, the Forum further calls for an independent judiciary to uphold the Constitution and protect democracy, while urging the media to continue playing its constitutional role as the watchdog of the society.

It also says the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should bear the responsibility of ensuring that elections are free, fair and credible.

On state policing, the Forum welcomes ongoing efforts to establish state police but insists the system must reflect true federalism by giving state governors the power to appoint and remove Commissioners of Police.

The Forum renews its call for a new Constitution based on true federalism, saying it would mobilise Nigerians to support a presidential candidate committed to constitutional reforms.

According to the communique, the meeting, was attended by delegates from Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and PANDEF.

It adds that Prominent leaders at the meeting includes Obong Victor Attah, Chief John Nnia Nwodo, Ambassador Godknows Igali and Dr. Bitrus Pogu.

Georgina Humphrey