Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum met in Abuja on Thursday and declared that political parties that field northern presidential candidates won’t enjoy their support in the 2023 general elections.
Delegations from the four regional socio-cultural organisations: Afenifere (South West), Ohanaeze Ndigbo (South-East), Pan Niger Delta Forum (South-South) and the Middle Belt Forum (Middle Belt) attended the meeting.
The regional leaders include Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere), Prof George Obiozor (Ohanaeze) Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum) and Chief Edwin Clark (PANDEF).
In a communique released at the end of the meeting which was signed by the regional leaders, they agreed on the country’s indissolubility and the need for restructuring. They also maintained that power must shift to the Southern region in May 2023, after the eight-year regime of the President, Muhammadu Buhari.
They wrote: “Arising therefrom, the meeting resolved as follows:
“That the extant Constitution and Structure of Nigeria are grossly flawed and lopsided, accordingly, Forum restates its demand for the fundamental restructuring of the country by enacting a new Constitution that would enthrone equity, fairness and justice.It must be One Nation, One System;
“Cites that the northern part of the country would have fully enjoyed the Office of the Presidency of the country for the full statutory period of 8 years by 2023, hence, the presidency should rotate to the South;
“Therefore, unequivocally, and in full resolve, call on all political parties in the country to zone their presidential tickets to the south;
“Advices that any political party that does not zone its presidential ticket to the South should not expect support from the four regions;
“Notes that the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria, is fair and even sharing of power.”