Politics
2023 Presidency: SMBLF Insists on Southern Candidates
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders’ Forum (SMBLF) has made it clear to all political parties in Nigeria that votes from the four regions that constitute the Forum for the 2023 presidential elections would only go to candidates from the south.
This was contained in a communique the Forum issued at the end of a meeting on Thursday, which was chaired by the Leader and Elder Statesman, Edwin Clark.
The Forum pointed out that fair and even sharing of power were not negotiable and by its reckoning the basis of any viable democracy, especially in a diverse and complex country such as Nigeria.
The meeting was attended by delegates from the four regional socio-cultural organisations: Afenifere for the South West, Ohanaeze Ndigbo for the South East, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) for the South-South and the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) for the Middle Belt.
The communique was jointly signed by Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo – Leader, Afenifere, George Obiozor – President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Dr. Pogu Bitrus – National President, Middle Belt Forum.
The delegations to the meeting were led by Chief Ayo Adebanjo, leader of Afenifere, Professor George Obiozor, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum and Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, National Chairman of Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF).
Also in attendance were former governors, ministers, federal and state legislators, top politicians and professionals from the Southern and Middle Belt regions.
Notable among the attendees were Victor Attah, former Governor of Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Alaowei Broderick Bozimo, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, Simon Okeke, Supo Shonibare, Akin Fapohunda, Okey Emuchay, Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw, Prof. G. G. Darah, and Solomon Asemota.
Others were Dr. Alex Ogbonna, Mac Emakpore, Douyi Douglas-Naingba, Nella Andem-Rabana, Prof. Mrs. Chinwe Obaji, Maj. Gen. Henry Ayoola (Retd), Ben Akaakar, Dr. Ebun Sonaiya, Comrade Jare Ajayi and Ken Robinson, among others.
In the words of the communiqué: “The meeting extensively discussed various issues on the State of Affairs in the country, particularly, the security situation, restructuring, preparations for the 2023 general elections and zoning.
“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, calls 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;
“Condemns the continued senseless killings of innocent citizens across the country by terrorists and criminals, especially in the North West Zone; calls on the government and security agencies to redouble efforts to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians;
“Urges members of the National Assembly and Governors of the four regions to commit themselves to the subject of restructuring;
“Reaffirms commitment to the unity of Nigeria, situated on the tenets of Equity, Fairness, Justice, and the principle of federalism.
“The meeting was held in an atmosphere of peace and unanimous commitment to the decisions.”
Politics
APC Pressuring Hotels to Deny Opposition Parties Venues – NDC Raises Alarm
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of allegedly pressuring hotels in Abuja to deny the opposition party access to their facilities, describing the development as an attempt to undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The party raised the allegation in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director on Thursday, who expressed concern over what it described as increasing attempts to restrict the democratic space and silence opposition voices.
According to the NDC, it has faced not only alleged violent attacks by agents of the ruling APC but also discrimination from hotels and hospitality businesses in Abuja.
SEE ALSO: Two Suspected Political Thugs Killed After Attacking NDC Candidate’s Convoy in Ebonyi
The party specifically accused Rockview Hotel of cancelling agreements to provide facilities for its meetings on two separate occasions.
The first incident, according to the statement, occurred in June 2026 when the hotel allegedly withdrew its agreement to host the party’s second National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting shortly before the scheduled event.
The NDC claimed that the hotel recently rejected another request to use its facilities for a meeting, allegedly informing the party that the decision came through an “order from above.”
The party also accused BON Hotel in Wuse, Abuja, of refusing to provide its facilities for a meeting despite the NDC claiming it had fulfilled all the conditions required.
The statement further alleged that the unveiling of the party’s National Campaign Council (NCC) was nearly disrupted after its event venue initially asked the party to refund its payment, saying it was no longer interested in making its facilities available.
The NDC suggested that the decision might have resulted from alleged threats or instructions from influential quarters.
However, the party said its insistence on using the facility after making payment eventually compelled the hotel to honour the arrangement.
Describing the alleged incidents as a threat to democratic participation, the NDC called on the APC to allow opposition parties to operate freely and campaign without interference.
“This is not democracy. The APC should allow all parties to campaign without let or hindrance, and give Nigerians the opportunity to make their choice on who governs them,” the statement said.
The party also urged Nigerians and supporters of democracy to call out Rockview Hotel and BON Hotel over what it described as their “anti-people and anti-democratic actions.”
Reaffirming its commitment to national development, the NDC declared that Nigerians deserved better governance and insisted that it was prepared to serve with passion and patriotism.
“Nigerians deserve better, and NDC is prepared to serve with passion and patriotism,” the statement added.
The party concluded with its declaration that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
Politics
‘The Panic Is Real’ – Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating moves to weaken the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and frustrate his 2027 presidential ambition following a court judgment against the party’s leadership.
Atiku described the development as a calculated attempt to undermine the ADC, insisting that the timing of the judgment, which came barely a day after his campaign rally in Sokoto, was suspicious.
In a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Atiku said the ruling party was unsettled by the growing support for his candidacy.
ALSO READ: ‘Don’t Set Nigeria on Fire’ – ADC Sends Warning to APC Over Lifu Judgment
The Federal High Court in Abuja had on Thursday, November 5, 2026, delivered a judgment affecting the leadership of the David Mark-led ADC, nullifying the party’s leadership structure and raising questions over the legitimacy of Atiku’s presidential candidacy.
Reacting to the ruling, Atiku alleged that the development was part of a broader strategy to weaken his political support, particularly in Northern Nigeria, and frustrate the ADC’s growing campaign.
“The timing of this judgment is no coincidence. It is part of a strategy to weaken my support in the North and frustrate a campaign whose message is resonating across the country,” he said.
He, however, maintained that his political ambition was not limited to Northern Nigeria, arguing that the economic hardship facing Nigerians cuts across regional boundaries.
“My roots are in Northern Nigeria, but my candidacy belongs to all Nigerians. There is a difference between being from the North and being a candidate only for the North,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president also linked the judgment to the massive turnout at the ADC presidential campaign launch in Sokoto on Wednesday, November 4, where supporters gathered to welcome him.
He said the reception demonstrated Nigerians’ desire for political change and confidence in the ADC’s promise to make life more affordable.
“What we witnessed in Sokoto is only the beginning. The people of Kebbi will have their say, and so will Nigerians across the country as our campaign moves forward,” he added.
Atiku also questioned the legal basis for reopening the dispute over the ADC leadership, recalling that Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court had earlier dismissed a challenge to the David Mark-led leadership in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1637/2025.
According to him, the earlier judgment upheld the defendants’ objections on jurisdiction, standing and failure to exhaust internal party remedies, while resolving the substantive issues in their favour.
He questioned why another case was subsequently filed to reopen the same dispute, describing it as an attempt to circumvent an existing court judgment.
Atiku said the ADC would challenge the latest ruling at the Court of Appeal.
“We will challenge this judicial manoeuvre at the Court of Appeal,” he declared.
Despite the legal setback, the ADC presidential candidate urged party supporters to remain calm, peaceful and committed to the campaign, insisting that the development would not derail the party’s political activities.
He said the ADC campaign train was already in Kebbi State and would continue its nationwide mobilisation.
“Our Affordable Life campaign will continue because Nigerians deserve relief from this crushing cost-of-living crisis,” Atiku said.
He also urged supporters to take the party’s message to Nigerians through house-to-house and door-to-door mobilisation, adding that the campaign remained focused on rescuing the country from economic hardship.
“There is no shaking,” he declared.
Politics
2027: Shettima Declares Nigeria’s Economy Fixed, Seeks Tinubu’s Re-election
Vice President Kashim Shettima has declared that Nigeria’s economy has been fixed, insisting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has overcome the difficult phase of its economic reforms.
Shettima made the declaration on Wednesday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he appealed to Nigerians to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.
According to the Vice President, the administration inherited an economy burdened by fiscal challenges, infrastructure deficits and weakened investor confidence, necessitating difficult but unavoidable reforms.
SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election
“We inherited an economy burdened by fiscal pressure. We inherited a country with an infrastructure deficit. We inherited a country with weakened investor confidence and structural defects. These problems demanded decisions that no responsible government could postpone. But I come to you to assure you that the worst days are over. We have already fixed our economy,” he said.
Shettima maintained that the government’s economic reforms had strengthened public finances, improved revenue generation and restored investor confidence, while providing additional resources for state governments to pursue development projects.
He said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was designed to encourage domestic production, improve economic opportunities and address structural challenges affecting the country.
The Vice President also defended the government’s infrastructure programme, highlighting major road projects, including the Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe–Biu–Maiduguri Superhighway, the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway.
According to him, the projects will strengthen connections between agricultural and industrial production centres and markets, reduce transportation costs, facilitate trade and create employment opportunities.
Shettima noted that Nasarawa State stands to benefit from improved infrastructure and investments in its agricultural and mineral resources.
He also highlighted the Federal Government’s support for higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that students from the state have access to financing under the scheme.
The Vice President further recalled President Tinubu’s approval for the conversion of the Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa, into the Federal University of Mining, Engineering and Technology, describing it as an investment in the technical manpower required to develop Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Acknowledging the economic difficulties experienced by Nigerians, Shettima said the government was conscious of the sacrifices associated with its reforms and remained committed to translating their gains into improved living conditions.
He urged Nigerians to give Tinubu another four-year mandate to complete the administration’s development programmes.
“We have promised to connect producers and markets. We have promised to ease movement across regions. We have promised to generate employment. We have promised to diminish costs that burden traders and families. This is what we are doing, and we have come to ask for your support for another term to complete this mission,” he stated.
Shettima also urged APC supporters to reject electoral violence and embrace peaceful political participation ahead of the 2027 elections.





