As the 2027 general elections approach, a proposal by the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) regarding Nigeria's political future has sparked mixed reactions from South West and Northern leaders.

The ILT rejected the recent Abuja restructuring conference communiqué, accusing organizers of sidelining the Igbo delegation. In response, they put forward several major demands:

• A 10 region political structure with regional control of resources and regional policing.

• An enlarged Igbo Region expanding beyond the current five South-East states.

• The temporary suspension of the 2027 general elections until restructuring is completed by May 2027.

Key Reactions from Regional Leaders

1. South West Voices

• Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo (The Patriots Conference): Described the ILT's proposals as unrealistic, arguing that ethnic groups across Nigeria are struggling to find clear solutions. He questioned the practicality of dividing the country further without a clear mass movement or consensus.

• Afenifere (Justice Faloye & Chief Ademola Folarin): Strongly rejected regionalism, warning that it would lead to political instability and disenfranchise minority groups. Instead, the pan-Yoruba group insisted on standing by the 2014 National Conference resolutions, which favored retaining states as federating units with devolved powers.

• Apagun Kole Omololu (Conscience of Yoruba Nation Group): Supported autonomous regions only if established through the free consent of local communities and with strong safeguards for minority rights.

• Debo Adeniran (CACOL/CDHR): Emphasized that restructuring must not turn into a competition for territorial advantage. He also warned that suspending the 2027 elections would create a dangerous democratic vacuum.

• Aare Sooko Oladotun Hassan (Yoruba Council Worldwide): Adopted a more moderate stance, stating that restructuring is an urgent necessity that should not be pushed aside. He welcomed debates on regional policing and resource control (with proper safeguards), though he urged caution against suspending democratic elections.

• Nelson Ekujimi: Dismissed the ILT's positions as political grandstanding, claiming the group speaks only for themselves.

2. Northern Voices

• Prof. Tukur Baba (Arewa Consultative Forum - ACF): Strongly opposed the call to postpone the 2027 elections, pointing out that the Nigerian constitution only permits election delays under extreme circumstances such as war or civil unrest.

Core Takeaway

While there is a growing consensus among various groups that Nigeria's centralized system requires reform, deep divisions remain over how restructuring should be executed, the future of the 36-state structure, and whether the 2027 elections should be tied to constitutional changes.