The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has reiterated its backing for the creation of state police, emphasizing that any decentralized policing system should align with the principles of true federalism. This includes granting governors the power to appoint and dismiss Commissioners of Police within their states.
In a communiqué issued after their meeting in Abuja, the Chairman of SMBLF and factional leader of Afenifere, Chief Oladipo Olaitan, highlighted the group’s consistent support for state policing while rejecting any structure that maintains operational control under the Federal Government.
Olaitan stressed that governors should have constitutional authority over state Commissioners of Police similar to the President’s authority over the Inspector-General of Police.
The forum also renewed its call for a new constitution that would transfer more powers to the federating units and bolster Nigeria’s federal system.
Olaitan stated the group plans to unite Nigerians to back a presidential candidate in the 2027 election who promises to deliver a constitution mirroring the country’s diversity and promoting authentic federalism.
Regarding the 2027 presidential election, the forum held firm on its stance that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria following President Bola Tinubu’s first term. They argue that continuing the current power-sharing arrangement is vital for national unity, equity, and political stability.
The regional leaders also voiced concerns over what they view as a decline in internal democracy within political parties, noting that party structures and primary elections are increasingly dominated by a small group of influential individuals.
They urged political parties to uphold democratic principles, ensure transparent candidate selection, and strengthen internal democracy in preparation for the 2027 general election.
The communiqué underscores the forum’s ongoing advocacy for constitutional reforms, decentralized policing, and political restructuring as part of broader efforts to tackle governance and security issues in Nigeria.
The forum also reaffirmed its earlier position on the 2027 presidential election, insisting that the office of the President should remain in Southern Nigeria after President Bola Tinubu’s current term in the interest of national unity and political stability.
According to the communiqué, the regional leaders believe maintaining the existing power-sharing arrangement would help preserve national cohesion and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The group further expressed concern over what it described as the erosion of internal democracy within political parties, criticising the growing influence of individuals and small groups in determining party candidates during primary elections.
It argued that democratic governance can only thrive when party members are allowed to freely choose their candidates, warning that the dominance of political structures by a handful of individuals undermines democratic values and weakens public confidence in the electoral process.
The forum also advocated reforms that would strengthen Nigeria’s democratic system by preserving a vibrant multi-party environment while allowing independent candidates to participate in elections.
On the nation’s security situation, the leaders commended the Armed Forces for recent operational successes against criminal groups in parts of the country, particularly in **Oyo, Zamfara, and Borno** states.
However, they urged the Federal Government to sustain and expand ongoing security operations, especially across violence-prone states in the Middle Belt, including **Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi**.
The forum also called for stronger collaboration with neighbouring countries and international partners to combat cross-border crimes, terrorism, banditry, and other security threats affecting the region.
The renewed position comes as the National Assembly continues deliberations on constitutional amendments aimed at establishing state police across Nigeria.
While supporters of the proposal argue that decentralised policing would improve intelligence gathering, community policing, and rapid response to local security challenges, critics have warned that state police could be vulnerable to political interference if adequate constitutional safeguards are not established.
Despite these concerns, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum maintained that any state police structure must be anchored on genuine constitutional autonomy, insisting that only a truly federal policing system would effectively address Nigeria’s complex security challenges and strengthen democratic governance.
