Leaders under the umbrella of the Southern Nigeria socio-political bloc have renewed their call for the presidency to remain in the South ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing the need for equity, stability, and adherence to Nigeria’s democratic traditions.
The group also urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing Nigerians amid growing concerns over the impact of global economic pressures on households and businesses.
It emphasised the urgent need for practical and targeted interventions to cushion the effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
These positions were contained in a communiqué issued at the end of a high-level dinner meeting of the Southern Nigeria and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SNBLF), held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The meeting, chaired by Oba Oladipo Olaitan, brought together prominent leaders from southern and Middle Belt groups, including Senator John Azuta-Mbata and other key stakeholders.
The forum recalled its earlier resolution ahead of the 2023 elections, insisting that the presidency should remain in the South following the completion of the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the communiqué, zoning the presidency to the South is critical to maintaining political balance and national cohesion.
“The assembly admonishes all political parties to clearly zone the position of President to Southern Nigeria in the interest of national political stability,” the group stated.
It further urged political parties to ensure that their presidential candidates for the 2027 elections emerge from the southern region.
The forum also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, warning that a significant portion of Nigeria’s territory remains poorly governed and under-policed.
While reaffirming confidence in the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, it noted that their current capacity is insufficient to address the scale of insecurity.
“More than 70 per cent of the national territorial space is ungoverned and inadequately secured,” the communiqué noted.
As part of its recommendations, the forum called for urgent constitutional amendments to allow for the establishment of state and community policing structures.
It also rejected ongoing reintegration programmes for repentant insurgents, urging the government to halt such initiatives.
“The constitution should be amended to ensure state and community police. We must have state police now, not tomorrow,” the group declared.
To advance this agenda, the forum announced the constitution of a 12-member committee of security experts to contribute to ongoing discussions on policing reforms.
On governance, the forum reiterated its long-standing demand for restructuring, advocating greater autonomy for states in line with true federalism.
It argued that Nigeria’s current structure does not reflect the principles upon which the country was originally founded.
On the economy, the group called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to ease hardship, particularly in light of global economic pressures.
It advocated stronger and sustained support for local crude oil refineries, describing domestic refining as a critical pathway to stabilising fuel supply and reducing reliance on imports.
The forum also urged authorities to implement clear and enforceable policies aimed at gradually ending the importation of refined petroleum products, noting that such dependence exposes the country to external shocks and price volatility.
According to the group, prioritising local production and refining capacity will improve energy security, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce pressure on foreign exchange.
The leaders maintained that a coordinated economic strategy focused on domestic capacity building is essential for addressing current hardships and positioning Nigeria for long-term stability.
The forum reaffirmed its commitment to promoting active citizen participation in governance and nation-building, stressing the need for Nigerians to remain engaged through constructive dialogue and collective action.
The meeting also featured participation from the National Christian Elders Forum, led by elder statesman Samuel Danjuma Gani.
