Group demands restructuring ahead 2027 polls
A coalition of 130 pan-Yoruba organisations under the aegis of Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Assembly to restructure Nigeria ahead of
- By Raymond Mordi, Deputy Political Editor
A coalition of 130 pan-Yoruba organisations under the aegis of Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movements (AYDM) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and National Assembly to restructure Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election.
It warned that failure to do so could push the country towards instability.
The demand formed part of a communiqué issued at the end of a one-day unity and solidarity conference held yesterday in Lagos, which drew more than 800 delegates from across the defunct Western Region and beyond.
Participants at the conference with the theme: “Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: People’s Power and Voters in Nigeria,” included representatives from Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Delta and Edo states. Yoruba and Itsekiri groups from other West African countries were also in attendance, alongside observers from ethnic and socio-cultural organisations such as South-South Congress, Middle-Belt Indigenous Peoples Congress, Hausa National Congress, and groups from the Southeast.
In the communiqué signed by its Secretary-General Popoola Ajayi and three others, AYDM described restructuring as “the most important challenge facing the country,” warning that Nigeria risks “a slip into anarchy” if longstanding constitutional and governance issues are not addressed before the next presidential election.
The coalition also took a firm position on power rotation, insisting that the presidency in 2027 must remain in the South.
It said historical imbalances in leadership tenure made it imperative to sustain what it described as a delicate national equilibrium.
“Since 1960, the North has ruled Nigeria for 46 years, while the South has ruled for only 20 years. Any attempt by the North to produce the next President is unacceptable and will be resisted,” the communiqué stated, adding that abandoning rotational presidency could threaten national unity.
On security, the group raised the alarm over what it described as an evolving terrorist threat, citing recent incidents involving improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Kwara State that resulted in casualties. It warned that extremist elements were exploiting global geopolitical tension to intensify violence within Nigeria.
The coalition alleged that entrenched political interests were behind the worsening insecurity, claiming terrorism in Nigeria is being sustained by “economic, political and ideological networks” to seize power and impose a theocratic order.
Acknowledging the country’s current economic hardship and insecurity, AYDM condemned any suggestion of military intervention, warning that a coup would trigger widespread armed resistance and plunge Nigeria into a deeper crisis.
“The solution is not a military coup,” the group said. “Any attempt to topple democracy will lead to unprecedented conflict, including the possibility of guerrilla warfare across the country, with grave consequences for West Africa.”
The communiqué called for speedy trial of the suspected coup plotters, urging that those found guilty should face the full weight of the law to deter future attempts to subvert democratic rule.
As part of broader security reforms, the coalition advocated the creation of state police and a decentralisation of Nigeria’s military training institutions, including Nigerian Defence Academy and other command structures, across regional lines.
The group also criticised electricity distribution companies, singling out Ikeja Electric, which it accused of inefficiency, exploitative practices and undermining industrial development in the Southwest.
On regional security, AYDM condemned what it described as persistent attacks on communities in the Southwest, including the killing of traditional rulers and civilians. It expressed concern about the introduction of IEDs in the zone, and alleged that such acts marked a dangerous escalation in violent activities.
The coalition also criticised certain northern leaders for their silence or an insufficient response to the violence, warning that perceived inaction could deepen mistrust and national divisions.
Reaffirming its stance on governance, AYDM rejected the expansion of Sharia law into the Southwest, insisting that the region’s pluralistic identity must be preserved.
“Nigeria needs to transform from a garrison state to a truly democratic country reflecting its diversity,” the communiqué said. “There is no time to waste.”
Journalist and convener, Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Adewale Adeoye, was the guest speaker. The conference is expected to continue with a second-day session focusing on security and livelihoods in the region, as the coalition positions itself for increased political engagement ahead of the 2027 elections.
