Nigerian Forum Backs State Police, Demands Southern Presidency in 2027

Nigeria's Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has strongly backed the creation of state police, insisting that any such system must embody genuine federalism rather than a "federal-controlled state police." The forum also reaffirmed its stance that the nation's presidency should rotate to the South following the 2027 general elections, a move they believe will foster national unity and political stability.

These resolutions emerged from the forum's general meeting in Abuja, which convened delegates from prominent organizations like Afenifere, the Middle Belt Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Oladipo Olaitan, SMBLF Chairman and leader of Afenifere, read the communiqué, highlighting the forum's view that state governors should wield significant power over their state police commissioners, mirroring the President's authority over the Inspector-General of Police.

The SMBLF also voiced concerns about the lack of internal democracy in current party primaries nationwide, emphasizing that democratic governance requires the free choice of candidates by party members and voters. The forum advocated for preserving Nigeria's multi-party system and incorporating provisions for independent candidacy into the constitution.

Furthermore, the group urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to continue its independent discharge of duties and called for measures to bolster public confidence in the electoral process. They also appealed to the judiciary to maintain its independence and encouraged the media to uphold its role in safeguarding Nigerian democracy. The SMBLF reiterated its long-standing demand for a new constitution based on true federalism, pledging to support candidates committed to restructuring Nigeria's governance framework.