2027: CSN Urges INEC, Parties To Respect Zoning, Ensure Credible Polls

The Coalition of Southern Nigeria (CSN) has called on political parties and the electoral body to uphold fairness, zoning, and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group made the call following an emergency virtual meeting of political stakeholders and key actors from across Southern Nigeria, where pressing national issues were deliberated.

In a communiqué issued in Abuja and signed by its Chairman, Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, and Secretary-General, Belo Osaretin, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to equity, transparency, and national unity.

The meeting, chaired by Ajumbe, a former commissioner in Imo State, was convened to address what the group described as growing concerns within Nigeria’s political landscape.

CSN urged all registered political parties to respect the zoning arrangement, describing it as a long-standing principle that has helped sustain national unity and political balance.

The coalition specifically called on parties to field presidential candidates from Southern Nigeria in the 2027 elections, arguing that the region should complete its turn in the North-South power rotation by occupying the presidency for two terms of eight years.

It also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections, stressing that this is critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The group cautioned the electoral body against actions that could suggest bias, urging it to maintain neutrality in the discharge of its responsibilities.

CSN further referenced the challenges observed during the 2023 presidential election, particularly issues surrounding the transmission of results, and warned against a recurrence.

“The electoral body should not repeat the experience of the 2023 election, where technological failures led to manual transmission of results and raised concerns about the credibility of the process,” the communiqué stated.