ABUJA — Leaders of thought and elder statesmen from four of the six geopolitical zones, under the aegis of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), have warned that recent political and security developments suggest a coordinated assault on Nigeria’s democracy.
Rising from a meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, the Forum said it was deeply concerned about what it described as the systematic weakening of political pluralism, the shrinking of democratic space, and internal crises within major opposition parties — trends the leaders say could push the country toward de facto one-party dominance.
The meeting, held at the liaison office of the Pan Niger Delta Elders Forum (PANDEF), was chaired by the National Leader of Afenifere, HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and attended by senior officials of PANDEF and the Middle Belt Forum, including Ambassador Godknows Igali and Dr. Pogu Bitrus (represented), as well as former governors, legislators, traditional rulers, and regional stakeholders.
Oba Olaitan, who read the communiqué, said the Forum viewed the recent confrontation at the national secretariat of a major opposition party as a disturbing reflection of the country’s political instability. The Forum also expressed concern about the involvement of security operatives in partisan political activities.
According to the communiqué signed by Oba Olaitan (Afenifere), Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum), and Ambassador Igali (PANDEF), the incident amounted to a further erosion of public confidence in the political system.
“A democracy without a strong and viable opposition becomes vulnerable to abuse,” the statement read.
The Forum condemned what it described as an emerging pattern of political manoeuvres leading to weakened opposition structures nationwide. It warned that widespread defections and opportunistic alliances without ideological basis are unhealthy for the country’s democratic development.
“Democracy cannot thrive where political pluralism is eroded or manipulated,” the communiqué stated.
Security Concerns and Role of Agencies
The leaders also expressed concern about the conduct of security agencies, cautioning against actions that may appear partisan.
“The use of law enforcement for political intimidation poses a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic evolution,” the Forum said, urging professionalism and neutrality from all security institutions.
On the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), SMBLF noted public concerns over what it described as the need for stronger proactive measures ahead of the 2027 general elections. It urged the electoral body to demonstrate greater vigilance and take timely actions to sustain public confidence.
Worsening Insecurity
The Forum also lamented the rising insecurity across the country, referencing the killing of security personnel in Borno State, the abduction of schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, and attacks in parts of Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi.
It urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to rescue abducted students, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen security operations nationwide.
“We urge the government to deploy maximum resources to end the violence and secure all affected communities,” the communiqué added.
The Forum also called for an urgent programme for the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons in the Middle Belt and other affected regions, saying victims should be supported to return to their homes in dignity and safety.
Education and Labour Issues
SMBLF expressed concern over unresolved disputes involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the ongoing strike by resident doctors, noting that these disruptions disproportionately affect ordinary Nigerians.
It urged the government to accelerate negotiations with the unions to forestall further setbacks in the education and health sectors.
VANGUARD.
