The Secretary-General of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) and Afenifere leader, Chief Sola Ebiseni, has reacted strongly to recent judicial and infrastructural developments shaping Nigeria's political landscape ahead of 2027.
Speaking during a live appearance on Arise News, Chief Ebiseni addressed the Court of Appeal's reversal of the Federal High Court ruling ordering the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and four other political parties, while also making a urgent appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the ongoing 700 km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
1. On The Court Of Appeal Ruling & Multiparty Democracy
Chief Ebiseni commended the appellate court for upholding constitutional democracy by reversing the lower court's decision directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister opposition parties.
"The Court of Appeal rightly called out the lower court's action as judicial impertinence for taking up a matter despite existing orders. Multi-party democracy must be protected to ensure a fair playing field for 2027."
- Locus Standi Questioned: He stressed that civic groups or former legislator forums lack the legal standing to demand party deregistration.
- 2027 Political Space: Restoring the legal status of the ADC, Accord, Action Alliance (AA), Action Peoples Party (APP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) prevents unnecessary contraction of opposition options.
2. Zoning & The 2027 Southern Presidency Stand
Reaffirming the firm position of the Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF), Ebiseni stated that power rotation remains essential for national stability and equitable governance.
- Southern Rotation: SMBLF insists the Presidency must remain in the South for an 8-year cycle ending in 2031 before returning to the North.
- Political Culture: Responding to arguments that rotational zoning lacks explicit constitutional text, Ebiseni noted that political traditions and conventions hold equal weight in sustaining national unity across Nigeria's diverse regions.
3. Petition Over Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Route
Turning to infrastructure, Chief Ebiseni raised strong objections to the current layout of the 700 km Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project, alleging that over 100 km of Ondo State's oil-producing shoreline is being bypassed.
"The highway route is being diverted inland toward places like Irokun rather than taking the actual Atlantic shoreline of the Ilaje-Yoruba coast. We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the Ministry of Works to correct this alignment so our coastal oil communities are not left behind."
- Ondo Coastline Impact: Bypassing the direct shoreline deprives littoral communities in Ondo State of direct trade, port, and infrastructure benefits.
- Direct Appeal: The group called for an immediate technical review of the route design before construction advances further along the corridor.
4. Assessment Of National Economic Reforms
Evaluating broader national policies, Ebiseni noted that while structural economic decisions have introduced severe immediate pressure on citizens, long-overdue system repairs were necessary.
- Subsidy & FX Adjustments: He observed that ending fuel subsidy claims curtailed fraudulent allocation paper trading, while unifying exchange rates reduced round-tripping.
- Global Realities: He added that domestic inflation remains tied to global energy dynamics and international market shifts, requiring steady targeted interventions.
Key Takeaways
(1) Party Status Restored: Opposition political parties remain fully operational for the 2027 election cycle following appellate intervention.
(2) SMBLF Zoning Agenda: Southern leaders maintain that the South must complete a full 8-year presidential term through 2031.
(3) Route Re-alignment Demand: Ondo State coastal stakeholders have petitioned the Presidency to adjust the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway back onto the Atlantic shoreline.
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