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The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a stern warning to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), cautioning them against weakening opposition parties through intimidation, inducement, infiltration, or other covert tactics.
The group emphasised that Nigeria’s democratic survival depends on pluralism and a strong, credible opposition.
In a joint statement signed by Oba Olaitan Ladipo, Chairman of Afenifere; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Ambassador Godknows Igali, President of PANDEF; and Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), on Thursday, the forum declared: “At this critical period in our national history, the role of the opposition goes beyond contesting elections. It includes holding the government to account, offering alternative policies, defending citizens’ rights, and ensuring political power is not treated as the birthright of any party.”
The leaders voiced concern over the deepening internal bickering and factional crises in several opposition parties, warning that such disunity is undermining democratic stability and paving the way for political monopoly. They called on opposition groups to put aside ego, ambition, and petty rivalries in the interest of the nation’s political health.
“No ruling party should forget that a political culture which actively sabotages dissent will breed instability, disillusionment, and resistance from the citizenry,” the statement added.
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Addressing INEC directly, the forum reminded the commission of its constitutional role as an impartial electoral umpire. It urged the body to improve mechanisms for resolving intra-party disputes, ensure real-time transmission of election results, avoid selective intervention, and publicly reaffirm its neutrality.
SMBLF noted that glitches during the last presidential election had eroded public trust, warning that:
“A democracy without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only. And a democracy where the umpire is compromised is one headed for collapse.”
The forum reaffirmed its readiness to work with all political actors to strengthen democratic culture, uphold justice, and ensure that the will of the Nigerian people remains supreme.
While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) all expressed support for SMBLF’s position, both the APC and INEC had yet to comment at the time of filing this report.
The post South, Middle belt leaders warn APC, INEC: ‘Don’t undermine opposition or democracy’ appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from Ripples Nigeria.
