Southern, Middle Belt Leaders Warn of Democratic Backslide, Escalating Insecurity Across Nigeria

Amid a wave of brutal attacks and rising political tension nationwide, leaders from the Southern and Middle Belt regions have issued a strong warning that Nigeria is drifting toward a dangerous crossroads—one marked by worsening insecurity and an emerging threat to multiparty democracy.

At a high-level meeting held Wednesday in Abuja, the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) condemned the spate of killings and abductions recorded in Borno, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara and other states within the last week. The leaders also expressed alarm over what they described as attempts by key political actors to steer Nigeria toward de facto single-party dominance.

Reading the communiqué on behalf of the forum, His Royal Majesty Oba Oladipo Olaitan said the developments represent “a disturbing pattern” that threatens both national stability and the future of democratic governance.

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Leaders Lament Killings, Worsening Security Situation

The forum cited several recent security incidents as evidence of a severe breakdown in public safety:

• The killing of Brigadier General Uba Musa and several soldiers during an ISWAP ambush in Damboa, Borno State on Sunday

• The abduction of 25 students from Government Girls Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State on Monday

• The attack on Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Kwara State on Tuesday, which left worshippers dead and others abducted

• Fresh reports of kidnappings and killings in parts of Kaduna, Kwara, and Kogi States

• The murder of an ECWA pastor, Rev. James Audu Issah, by his abductors in Kaduna

According to the leaders, community reports indicate that the victims in several of these attacks are predominantly Christians and indigenous populations, while the perpetrators are said to include armed groups of Fulani and Kanuri origin operating across borders.

“This pattern of violence bears the hallmark of ethnic cleansing and genocide,” the communiqué warned, urging the Federal Government to immediately halt what it called “brazen operations of extremist elements” within Nigerian territory.

The forum also appealed for speedy rescue operations for abducted schoolgirls and called for a coordinated plan to rehabilitate displaced Middle Belt communities.

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Democracy Under Threat, Forum Alleges

Beyond insecurity, the regional leaders expressed deep concern over the “creeping authoritarian tendencies” in Nigeria’s political landscape.

They alleged that actions by prominent figures within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—including aggressive decamping strategies and pressure on opposition structures—are gradually weakening multiparty democracy.

The leaders specifically referenced the chaotic confrontation that unfolded at the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on November 18, involving a serving minister and some PDP governors.

They warned that such events could destabilize the country’s democratic framework if left unchecked.

“The signs are troubling,” the communiqué stated. “Political pluralism is under threat, and the political class must restrain itself from pushing Nigeria toward single-party domination.”

The group also faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Prof. Joash Amupitan, for what it called slow and insufficient responses to emerging political distortions ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Condemnation of Security Agencies’ Partisan Conduct

The forum strongly criticized the “growing use of security operatives for partisan political battles,” stressing that the deployment of police to settle political disputes poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“It is unacceptable for law enforcement agencies to act as instruments of political intimidation,” the leaders said.

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Appeal for Action on National Strikes

The leaders also addressed the ongoing industrial unrest involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and resident doctors.

While acknowledging the unions’ grievances, they urged the Federal Government to hasten negotiations to prevent disruptions in the education and health sectors.

They also appealed to striking resident doctors to consider the plight of vulnerable Nigerians who rely on public hospitals.

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A Call for National Stabilization

Delegations from the South-West, South-East, South-South, and Middle Belt—comprising former governors, senators, cabinet members, and traditional rulers—participated in the Abuja meeting, underscoring the gravity of the concerns raised.

The communiqué was signed by:

• HRM Oba Olaitan — Leader, Afenifere

• Dr. Pogu Bitrus — President-General, Middle Belt Forum

• Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PhD, OON — National Chairman, PANDEF

The leaders insisted that Nigeria must urgently recommit to strengthening democratic institutions, protecting citizens from violent extremism, and restoring public confidence in government.