The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a stern caution to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging them to uphold the principles of democracy by refraining from acts that could weaken opposition parties in Nigeria.
In a joint statement signed by prominent regional leaders — Oba Olaitan Ladipo (Afenifere), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF), and Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum) — the forum stressed that democracy thrives on political pluralism, credible opposition, and fair electoral practices.
The leaders warned that political intimidation, infiltration, inducement, or suppression of dissent undermines the democratic process and risks pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state, which could destabilize the nation.
SMBLF expressed concern over the internal divisions, leadership disputes, and factionalism plaguing many opposition parties, including the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and others. They warned that such infighting creates opportunities for ruling party dominance and weakens the opposition’s ability to hold the government accountable.
“At this critical time, opposition parties must rise beyond mere electioneering. They should act as watchdogs for citizens’ rights, present alternative policies, and resist any attempt to treat political power as the exclusive right of one party,” the statement read.
The group also called on opposition leaders to set aside personal ambition and ego, uniting for the sake of Nigeria’s democratic future.
INEC Urged to Maintain Neutrality
The forum urged INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to reaffirm the commission’s neutrality by implementing real-time transmission of election results, strictly following the Electoral Act, and resolving intra-party disputes without bias.
The SMBLF reminded INEC that glitches during the last presidential election damaged public trust, and any repeat of such failures could further erode confidence in the electoral process.
The Labour Party, through adviser Ken Asogwa, accused the APC-led government of deliberately engineering crises within opposition parties to weaken them ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged all opposition parties to unite and mobilize Nigerians to reclaim power in 2027, echoing SMBLF’s warning about the dangers of a fragmented opposition.
Similarly, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, claimed that the opposition is now “more united and strategic” than a few months ago, with plans to prevent APC’s continued rule.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) also alleged external interference in the Labour Party’s leadership tussle and criticized INEC for failing to enforce Supreme Court rulings on party leadership disputes.
The SMBLF concluded by warning that:
“A democracy without effective opposition is democracy in name only. And when the electoral umpire loses credibility, the democratic process is in grave danger.”
The group reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with all democratic actors to protect the rule of law, justice, and the will of the Nigerian people.
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