2023: WE WON'T SUPPORT PARTY WITH NORTHERN CANDIDATE - SOUTHERN, MIDDLE BELT LEADERS

The Forum of the four apex socio-cultural organisations in the South-West, South-South, South-East and the Middle Belt of Nigeria has vowed that political parties in the forthcoming 2023 presidential elections that field northern candidates will not enjoy their support. 

Afenifere (South West), Ohanaeze Ndigbo (South-East), Pan Niger Delta Forum (South-South) and the Middle Belt Forum (Middle Belt) made the declaration in a communique made available to newsmen at the end of its meeting signed by the leaders.

Afenifere, Ohanaeze, Middle Belt Forum, and PANDEF agreed on the country’s indissolubility and the need for restructuring.

They maintained that power must shift to the Southern region after the eight-year regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in May 2023.

“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.” The communique partly reads.

The Forum tasked the National Assembly to pay keen attention to bills that will foster unity, equity and justice peace and national cohesion instead of issues that will exacerbate conflicts and crises in the country.

They further condemned the wanton killings of innocent citizens and insecurity throughout the country especially in the North-West region, tasking the federal government security agents to redouble their efforts in safeguarding lives and properties of the people. 

The leaders include Chief Ayo Adebanjo (Afenifere), Prof George Obiozor (Ohanaeze) Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum) and Chief Edwin Clark (PANDEF).