ABUJA, Nigeria — The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has ruled out supporting African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar or any other northern presidential candidate in the 2027 general election, declaring that it will back a southern candidate of its choice.
The forum said its position was based on an understanding with prominent southern socio-cultural organisations, including the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, that the presidency should remain in Southern Nigeria until 2031.
Speaking to Leadership, the MBF spokesman, Luka Binniyat, said the forum had not endorsed any candidate for the 2027 election but would consider the major southern contenders, particularly President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.
“This means that, in 2027, we will support only a southern presidential candidate of our choice. We will not support Atiku Abubakar or any other northern presidential candidate. This leaves us to consider the major southern contenders, particularly President Tinubu and Peter Obi,” Binniyat said.
He stressed that the forum’s position did not amount to an endorsement of either Tinubu or Obi, adding that the final decision would depend on which candidate demonstrated a clear commitment to addressing the concerns and aspirations of the Middle Belt.
According to Binniyat, security, development, inclusion in governance and the region’s ambition to produce Nigeria’s president in 2031 would be among the key issues considered before the forum makes its choice.
He acknowledged that Obi received significant support in many Middle Belt areas during the 2023 presidential election but warned that previous electoral support should not be taken for granted in the next contest.
The spokesman said the forum would assess what each southern contender was prepared to offer the region, particularly in tackling insecurity, improving development outcomes and ensuring meaningful representation in national governance.
The MBF’s declaration comes amid renewed debate over presidential zoning and the informal power-rotation arrangement between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, which brings together organisations including PANDEF, Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and the Middle Belt Forum, has repeatedly called for the presidency to remain in the South following eight years of northern leadership under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2023.
In earlier statements, the broader forum argued that retaining the presidency in the South until 2031 would promote fairness, political balance and national stability. The position is a political demand by the organisations, rather than a constitutional restriction on who may contest the presidency.
Binniyat also challenged claims by some northern political figures that the region would deliver 70 per cent of its votes to Tinubu in 2027. He argued that the political climate had changed since the 2023 election, pointing to economic hardship, poverty and persistent security challenges across parts of Northern Nigeria and the Middle Belt.
He cautioned against relying exclusively on assurances from governors and political leaders, arguing that the concerns of ordinary citizens could influence voting decisions.
The spokesman further maintained that the Middle Belt should not be treated merely as an electoral bloc to be courted during campaigns. He said presidential hopefuls would need to demonstrate how their policies and commitments would address the region’s longstanding challenges and political aspirations.
Despite its position against northern candidates, the forum has not formally declared support for Tinubu, Obi or another southern aspirant. Its final decision for the 2027 election remains pending.
The declaration is likely to add to discussions around regional alliances, zoning and the strategies presidential contenders may adopt as political parties and support groups prepare for the next general election.
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