Several pan-Yoruba organisations operating under the umbrella of the Alliance for Yoruba Democratic Movement (AYDM) have declared that Nigeria’s next president must emerge from the southern region, cautioning that any deviation from power rotation could threaten national unity.

The groups argued that the North has governed Nigeria for about 46 years, compared to roughly 20 years by the South, stressing that any move to return power to the North would be strongly opposed.

The position was made known during a conference themed “Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: People’s Power and Voters in Nigeria,” which attracted over 800 participants and was held in Lagos.

In a communiqué released after the gathering, participants called on President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritise the restructuring of the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The statement, signed by AYDM General Secretary Popoola Ajayi alongside Rasaq Arogundade, Taofik Adeyemi and Alice Asoropa, warned that ongoing global tensions—particularly the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States—are being exploited by extremist elements within Nigeria to intensify acts of terror.

They pointed to recent incidents involving the use of improvised explosive devices in Kwara State, which resulted in fatalities and injuries, as evidence that terrorist groups are adopting more dangerous tactics in what they described as a broader agenda to destabilise the country and undermine democracy.

The groups further alleged that terrorism in Nigeria is being sustained by economic and ideological backers, some of whom they claimed are disguised as political actors. According to them, these elements are working towards imposing a theocratic system and eroding the nation’s political, cultural, and economic foundations.

They also expressed concern over the current economic hardship facing Nigerians, citing widespread hunger and insecurity. The communiqué criticised electricity distribution companies, accusing them of inefficiency, exploitation, and hindering industrial growth in the South-West region.

Calling for urgent reforms, the groups said Nigeria must evolve from what they described as a “garrison state” into a truly democratic society that reflects its diversity.

In strong terms, they condemned the activities of armed groups in the South-West, accusing them of killings and violence against civilians, including traditional rulers. They referenced recent attacks in parts of Kwara State, where explosive devices reportedly caused casualties, as part of a growing security threat in the region.