Southern, Middle-Belt Leaders Demand 2027 Presidency in South

Southern and Middle-Belt leaders convened a meeting of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) on Tuesday in Abuja, where they asserted that the presidency should remain in the Southern region for the 2027 elections to promote national political stability. The meeting included representatives from Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum.

Chief Oladipo Olaitan, leader of Afenifere, read the communique outlining the group's resolutions. The SMBLF criticized the lack of internal democracy observed during political party primaries and emphasized the importance of free choice in a democratic system.

They called for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure fair elections and stated that the burden of proof for credible elections should rest with INEC. Additionally, the leaders advocated for state police with governors having the authority to appoint and remove State Commissioners of Police, while also demanding true federalism through a new constitution that reflects the interests of all stakeholders.