Leaders under the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) have urged political parties to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to Southern Nigeria, while also calling for the establishment of state police and broader restructuring to address national challenges.
The call was made during the Forum’s general meeting held in Abuja, where representatives from key regional groups deliberated on political, security and governance issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The SMBLF comprises major socio-political organisations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Middle Belt Forum and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
These groups have historically advocated for power rotation, restructuring and regional inclusion in Nigeria’s governance system.
Zoning and rotational leadership have remained recurring themes in Nigeria’s political structure since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Reading the communiqué issued after the meeting, the Forum’s Chairman and Afenifere leader, Oladipo Olaitan, stated that zoning the presidency to the South is necessary for equity, stability and adherence to Nigeria’s power rotation tradition.
The group argued that the next president should emerge from the South, noting that the country had previously experienced eight years of leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari from Northern Nigeria.
SMBLF urged political parties to reflect this position in their candidate selection processes as they prepare for congresses and conventions ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond the presidency, the Forum called for constitutional amendments to establish state and community policing systems, describing them as necessary responses to ongoing security challenges across the country.
The group announced the formation of a 12-member committee of security experts to develop frameworks for implementing state policing structures.
It expressed concern over the current security situation, stating that many parts of the country remain under-policed, with existing manpower and intelligence capabilities described as insufficient to address prevailing threats.
While expressing confidence in the armed forces, the Forum called for a review of the reintegration policy for deradicalised individuals, citing security considerations.
On restructuring, SMBLF reiterated its long-standing position advocating for a more decentralised federal system that grants greater autonomy to states and constituent units.
The meeting, held at the Abuja liaison office of PANDEF, was attended by several leaders, including Bitrus Pogu, John Azuta-Mbata and Godknows Igali, alongside members of the National Christian Elders Forum led by Samuel Danjuma Gani.
The Forum’s position reinforces ongoing national discussions around power rotation, restructuring and security reform in Nigeria.
Calls for state policing reflect increasing attention on decentralised security systems as a means of addressing localised threats and improving response capacity.
The emphasis on zoning may influence political party strategies as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
