The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has declared that it will not support any political coalition that considers former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, for the position of President or Vice President in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the Forum described El-Rufai as a “sworn enemy” of the Middle Belt and the people of Southern Kaduna. Binniyat said the MBF will work against any ticket that includes the former governor, regardless of the candidate’s competence.
“El-Rufai remains a sworn enemy of Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt. We can’t risk him as VP at all,” Binniyat stated.
He explained that the MBF’s position is in line with the agreement reached with other regional groups like Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and PANDEF before the 2023 elections, which called for the presidency to return to the South for two terms in the name of fairness and national unity.
The Forum emphasized that it will only support a southern presidential candidate in 2027 who is committed to addressing the long-standing marginalisation of the Middle Belt region. According to Binniyat, such support would depend on a clearly written agreement that outlines specific commitments to the development and protection of Middle Belt interests.
He warned that any southern candidate who aligns with politicians or groups known to have oppressed Middle Belt communities in the past would automatically lose the Forum’s support.
“A major advantage for any presidential hopeful would be the selection of a credible Middle Belt son or daughter as a running mate,” Binniyat added.
The Forum also reminded Nigerians of the region’s strong electoral influence, citing that in 2023, it delivered bloc votes from states such as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, Taraba, and parts of Kebbi, Borno, Gombe, and Bauchi, as well as the FCT.
As the 2027 election draws closer, the Middle Belt Forum says it is watching political developments closely and remains firm on its principles of justice, equity, and progress.
