Middle Belt Forum Opposes El-Rufai’s 2027 Candidacy, Cites History of Marginalisation
Regional group vows to reject any political coalition backing former Kaduna governor for president or vice president.
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has firmly opposed any political alliance or party that considers former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for a presidential or vice-presidential ticket in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the MBF’s National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, said the group will mobilize against any presidential hopeful or coalition that aligns with El-Rufai, accusing him of longstanding hostility toward Southern Kaduna and the broader Middle Belt region.
“El-Rufai remains a sworn enemy of Southern Kaduna and the Middle Belt. We cannot risk him occupying the office of vice president, regardless of who leads the ticket,” Binniyat said.
The Forum reiterated its position in line with an earlier agreement reached with the Southern Leadership Forum before the 2023 elections. That agreement, also backed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), advocates for the presidency to remain in the South for two full terms to uphold national balance and fairness.
Representing over 300 ethnic communities across 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the MBF emphasized that it will only back a southern candidate who commits—through a written pact—to ending the marginalisation of the Middle Belt and promoting inclusive development.
“Support will not be based on sentiment,” Binniyat noted. “We will pursue clear, strategic understandings based on equity and mutual respect. Any southern candidate who associates with persons known for suppressing Middle Belt interests will lose our support.”
He added that the MBF would strongly favor a presidential candidate who selects a credible individual from the Middle Belt as a running mate. Highlighting the region’s electoral influence, Binniyat recalled how the Middle Belt delivered significant votes across key northern states during the 2023 polls.
“Our bloc remains decisive. We are monitoring political alignments closely, but our stance is principled and unwavering,” he stressed.
The development adds a new dimension to early political maneuverings ahead of the 2027 elections, signaling that regional influence and historical grievances will play a significant role in shaping alliances and candidacies.
