The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has raised alarm over what it describes as Nigeria's dangerous drift toward one-party rule, following an emergency meeting of regional leaders in Abuja.
Coordinated Slide Toward Authoritarian Control
During the high-level gathering on November 20, 2025, representatives from Afenifere, Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Middle Belt Forum, and delegations from South-West, South-East and South-South regions expressed grave concerns about the country's democratic future.
The meeting, chaired by Afenifere leader HRM Oba Olaitan, examined developments that participants believe threaten Nigeria's democracy, security, and social stability. Leaders pointed to mass defections, political coercion, and ideological inconsistencies across party lines as factors fueling this concerning trend.
They specifically condemned the violent confrontation at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) national headquarters on November 18 involving a serving minister and sitting governors, labeling it "a disgraceful assault on democratic norms."
Institutions Accused of Partisanship
The Forum strongly criticized security and electoral institutions for their perceived role in the political crisis. SMBLF faulted the police for "brazen involvement in partisan battles" and accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) leadership under Prof Joash Amupitan of failing to intervene early to stabilize the political climate ahead of the 2027 elections.
Elder statesman Buba Galadima, speaking after receiving an award from The Sun Newspaper for his decades-long public service contributions, echoed these concerns with even stronger language. He declared that Nigeria is "on the verge of dictatorship" as the ruling class attempts to absorb every political structure into a single obedient bloc.
"A democracy without opposition is dictatorship, pure and simple," Galadima stated, noting that the systematic elimination of alternative voices represents the most alarming signal of Nigeria's democratic decay.
Security Crisis and Ethnic Dimensions
On security matters, the Forum declared that Nigeria is under "severe siege," citing multiple recent incidents:
- The killing of Brig-Gen Musa Uba in Borno State
- The abduction of schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State
- Deadly attacks in Kaduna, Kwara and Kogi states
The leaders expressed particular concern about reports indicating that most victims are Christians and indigenous communities, while attackers are largely linked to Fulani and Kanuri extremist groups, including fighters from outside Nigeria's borders.
They called on the Federal Government to:
- Halt what they described as ethnic cleansing
- Act decisively to rescue abducted students
- Work sincerely with international partners including the United States
- Immediately implement a plan to return displaced Middle Belt communities to their ancestral homes
The Forum also appealed for a speedy resolution to the ongoing resident doctors' strike, lamenting that poor Nigerians relying on public hospitals are paying the highest price for the impasse.
The communique was signed by Oba Olaitan, President-General of Middle Belt Forum Dr Pogu Bitrus, and National Chairman of PANDEF Godknows Boladei Igali.
Galadima concluded with a historical warning: "This is what happened in Germany under Hitler. He picked his victims one by one, and everyone said, 'It is not my turn,' until it consumed them all." He insisted that even members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) should be concerned, noting that "if there is no opposition, the government will not need you. You will become irrelevant in your own party."
