Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s renewed presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections has run into early resistance, following a firm declaration by Southern and Middle Belt leaders that Nigeria’s presidency should remain in the South after President Bola Tinubu’s tenure.
The position, issued by the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), has added fresh complexity to early political manoeuvring and is already shaping discussions around zoning, equity, and national balance ahead of the next election cycle.
Atiku, a leading figure from the North-East who is widely expected to contest under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is among the prominent northern politicians whose ambitions could be affected by the growing push for power retention in the South.
The forum’s stance has further intensified debate within political circles, where conversations over rotation and regional balance have continued to influence alignments since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
Leaders insist on zoning continuity
Rising from an emergency meeting held on Saturday and communicated in Kaduna on Sunday, the SMBLF reaffirmed its position that the principle of rotational presidency between the North and South must remain a key feature of Nigeria’s political structure.
The group warned that any disruption of the arrangement could undermine national cohesion and destabilise the political order.
“The position of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall remain in the southern region thereof in the next four years consequent on the 2027 general elections in the interest of national political stability,” the communiqué stated.
The statement was jointly signed by Oba Oladipo Olaitan of the Afenifere faction, Bitrus Pogu of the Middle Belt Forum, John Azuta-Mbata representing Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and Godknows Igali of the Pan Niger Delta Forum.
The forum also urged political parties to formally adopt zoning as part of their candidate selection process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Electoral reforms and security concerns
Beyond the zoning debate, the leaders called for urgent amendments to contentious provisions of the Electoral Act, warning that unresolved legal issues could erode public confidence in future elections.
They also renewed calls for the creation of state police, arguing that the current centralised security structure is overstretched amid persistent insecurity across several parts of the country.
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, the forum insisted that recruitment into the armed forces and police must be significantly increased to improve national security response.
The SMBLF further criticised what it described as preferential treatment for repentant insurgents, contrasting it with the conditions faced by victims still in internally displaced persons’ camps across the country.
Institutional independence and governance reforms
The forum also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain full independence in the discharge of its responsibilities, particularly in managing political party affairs and conducting elections.
It stressed that the credibility of INEC remains central to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Similarly, it urged the judiciary to uphold impartiality and interpret the constitution in ways that promote peace, justice, and national unity.
On governance structure, the leaders reiterated their longstanding demand for restructuring and true federalism, insisting that states and ethnic nationalities should be granted greater autonomy within the federation.
They also advocated stronger investment in local refining capacity as part of efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products.
Foreign policy concerns
The forum additionally condemned xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa, calling on the Federal Government to intensify diplomatic engagement to ensure the protection of citizens abroad.
It further urged authorities to facilitate voluntary repatriation for Nigerians willing to return home from affected regions.
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