Quote from admin on May 11, 2026, 10:47 am

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a communique formally rejecting any proposal for the presidency to return to the North in 2027. Meeting in Abuja, the group argued that for the sake of national stability and fairness, the current power rotation arrangement must be maintained. They asserted that the presidency should remain in the South for another four-year term.

 

The leaders expressed concern over recent statements from some Northern political blocs advocating for a power shift back to their region after President Tinubu’s first term. The SMBLF warned that such a move would undermine the principle of rotation that has helped manage Nigeria’s ethnic and regional tensions. They called on all political parties to respect the existing zoning agreements.

Beyond the issue of rotation, the forum also discussed the need for comprehensive constitutional reforms and the restructuring of the country. They argued that regardless of who occupies the presidency, the current structural flaws in the Nigerian system continue to hinder progress and foster insecurity. The leaders called for a “people-centered” constitution that reflects the diverse interests of all Nigerians.

The communique has sparked a fresh debate within the major political parties, particularly the APC and PDP, as they begin to strategize for the next election cycle. While some Northern groups have dismissed the SMBLF’s position as “premature,” the Southern and Middle Belt leaders maintain that early clarity on the zoning issue is essential to prevent political instability.

https://punchng.com/2027-southern-mbelt-leaders-reject-power-shift-to-north/