Vanessa 
The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has declared its firm opposition to any political coalition considering former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, as a presidential or vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released by its National Spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the forum described El-Rufai as a “sworn enemy” of both the Middle Belt and Southern Kaduna, vowing to mobilize against his political ambitions.
“Let me reiterate without ambiguity: the Middle Belt will not support any ticket that includes Nasir El-Rufai, regardless of the competence of the presidential candidate,” Binniyat said. “We can’t risk him as VP. He remains a declared adversary of our people.”
The MBF emphasized that its position on the 2027 presidency aligns with the earlier agreement reached with the Southern Leadership Forum before the 2023 elections. That agreement advocates for the presidency to remain in the South for two full terms in the interest of justice, equity, and national unity.
According to Binniyat, the MBF—alongside regional groups such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere, and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF)—will only back a southern candidate who commits to addressing the Middle Belt’s long-standing marginalisation.
“The support of the Middle Belt will be based on clear, written commitments that prioritize equity, development, and mutual respect,” Binniyat added. “But any candidate who aligns with known oppressors of our people will lose our backing, no matter how credible they appear.”
He further suggested that selecting a credible candidate from the Middle Belt as a running mate would significantly boost any southern presidential hopeful’s chances.
“The Middle Belt remains a decisive electoral bloc, having delivered millions of votes in 2023 across states such as Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi, and others,” he noted. “We are watching the political realignments closely, and our stance remains clear and unshakable.”
