A coalition of Middle Belt stakeholders has declared its support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and pledged to mobilise grassroots support for his re-election in 2027. The coalition, comprising traditional, political and community leaders, made this commitment after a recent visit to the President. The visit, led by former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma, aimed to reaffirm the unity of the Middle Belt and its readiness to contribute to national cohesion, peace and development ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Middle Belt is a distinct political and cultural bloc consisting of over 400 indigenous ethnic nationalities spread across parts of the North-West, North-East and Central Nigeria. The region includes states such as Niger, Kaduna, Kogi, Borno, Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau, Taraba, Adamawa, Yobe, Benue and Nasarawa, as well as the Federal Capital Territory. The coalition argued that the region has unique historical, cultural and political identities that should not be subsumed under the concept of a monolithic Northern Nigeria.
Consultations ahead of the 2027 elections have intensified, with the Middle Belt expressing concerns about political exclusion, insecurity, underdevelopment and the protection of the rights and aspirations of its diverse communities. The coalition maintained that the Middle Belt has played significant roles in Nigeria's political evolution, from the pre-independence era and First Republic through the Civil War, successive military administrations and the return to democratic governance in 1999.
The region is an increasingly influential political constituency whose voting strength could significantly shape the outcome of the 2027 elections. The coalition pledged to deploy its grassroots networks across the region for the immediate implementation of the resolutions, stressing that strong and coordinated leadership is necessary to prevent a return to the political fragmentation that had previously weakened Middle Belt aspirations.
The delegation's visit and subsequent reactions were addressed in a statement by the coalition, which described the Middle Belt as a critical component of Nigeria's political landscape. The group listed the states within its geographical and political constituency, emphasising its distinct identities and contributions to national development.
The coalition's support for Tinubu's re-election bid is driven by his performance and the need for continued progress in the region. The group warned against political violence and pledged to work towards ensuring peaceful elections in 2027. Tinubu has assured Nigerians of peaceful 2027 elections, emphasising the importance of a smooth transition.
The Middle Belt's endorsement of Tinubu's re-election bid is significant, given the region's voting strength and influence in Nigerian politics. The coalition's pledge to mobilise grassroots support will likely boost Tinubu's chances in the 2027 elections. Key stakeholders in the region have expressed confidence in Tinubu's leadership, citing his efforts to address the region's concerns and promote national cohesion.
Key points
- The Middle Belt coalition has pledged to mobilise grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's re-election in 2027.
- The region has unique historical, cultural and political identities that should not be subsumed under the concept of a monolithic Northern Nigeria.
- The coalition's support for Tinubu's re-election bid is driven by his performance and the need for continued progress in the region.
