The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has officially declared its backing for the creation of state police forces. The group stressed that these entities must operate under genuine federalist principles, strictly rejecting any model that keeps them under central government control. During their recent general meeting at the PANDEF liaison office in Abuja, the coalition argued that state governors should possess direct authority over their respective police commissioners, mirroring the President’s relationship with the Inspector-General of Police.
Beyond security reforms, the forum firmly maintained that the presidency should be held by a southern candidate in the 2027 elections to ensure political stability and national cohesion. Attending delegates included prominent figures such as Obong Victor Attah, Okwesilieze Nwodo, and Dr. Bitrus Pogu, representing groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Afenifere. SMBLF Chairman Oladipo Olaitan emphasized that the current political landscape requires improved internal party democracy and advocated for independent candidacy options within the national constitution.
Furthermore, the group called for the Independent National Electoral Commission to maintain its autonomy and urged the judiciary and media to actively defend democratic integrity. While praising recent military successes against insecurity, the forum reiterated its demand for a new constitution focused on complete restructuring and true federalism.
