Southern leaders presidency zoning call intensifies as forum urges parties to pick southern candidates and backs state police

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum on Tuesday called on political parties to zone their 2027 presidential tickets to Southern Nigeria, citing the need for national stability and adherence to democratic conventions.

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The demand was made in Abuja on March 24, 2026, during a joint press conference attended by leaders of key socio-cultural organisations, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Pan Niger Delta Forum.

Speaking on behalf of the forum, Chairman Oba Oladipo Olaitan said the position was consistent with its stance ahead of the 2023 elections, stressing that power rotation remains critical after the eight-year tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Olaitan urged political parties to ensure that their presidential candidates emerge from the South during upcoming congresses and conventions, describing zoning as an evolving democratic norm since 1999.

The meeting also drew participation from prominent regional figures, including President of the Middle Belt Forum, Bitrus Pogu; President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, John Azuta-Mbata; and leader of PANDEF, Godknows Igali.

Beyond the 2027 elections, the forum issued a stark warning over the country’s worsening security situation, claiming that a significant portion of Nigeria’s territory remains effectively ungoverned.

Olaitan said the scale of insecurity has outpaced the capacity of existing security agencies, noting that local intelligence remains crucial to addressing the crisis.

In response, the group threw its weight behind the establishment of state police, describing it as an urgent and necessary reform.

The forum also announced the formation of a 12-member committee of security experts to contribute to constitutional frameworks for state and community policing.

The call aligns with ongoing discussions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on decentralising policing structures to improve response and intelligence gathering.

The forum further urged the Federal Government to halt its deradicalisation and reintegration programme for former insurgents, while encouraging communities to take proactive steps in defending themselves against attacks.

On governance, the group reiterated its long-standing demand for restructuring and devolution of powers, advocating greater autonomy for federating units in line with true federalism.

It also expressed concern over the country’s economic challenges, calling for targeted interventions to ease hardship, including stronger support for local refining capacity and a phased end to reliance on imported petroleum products.

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The forum maintained that its resolutions reflect a broader commitment to national development, urging citizens to remain actively engaged in governance and nation-building.