Middle Belt coalition backs Southern presidency for 2027

Leaders and stakeholders across Nigeria’s Middle Belt have endorsed a Southern Presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising fairness, inclusion, and national balance as critical to electoral success.

The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the COPDEM–ADC Middle Belt Strategy Conference held in Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday, read by Rwamg Pam, Coordinator of the Group.

“The Middle Belt will not seek to lead from the front in 2027 — it will lead from the centre, by shaping a fair, inclusive, and winning coalition for Nigeria.”

“The Middle Belt is no longer a silent partner in Nigeria’s politics — it is a decisive force, and its voice will shape the outcome of 2027 general elections by escalating its role as the ‘swing State.’”

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The conference, convened by the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy in collaboration with the African Democratic Congress, brought together political leaders, civil society actors, youth representatives, and traditional voices to chart a strategic path toward the next elections.

They observed that electoral victory in Nigeria depends on broad-based coalitions rather than regional dominance, noting that the Middle Belt remains a critical bridge in determining national outcomes.

They stressed that political messaging anchored on fairness, justice, and inclusion significantly boosts public trust, adding that balanced leadership remains essential for national cohesion and stability.

On candidate selection, the conference emphasized that electability is closely tied to national acceptability and the ability to unite diverse regions, warning that exclusionary tendencies could drastically weaken electoral support.

The gathering also highlighted the need for internal party reforms, insisting that political parties seeking power must demonstrate equity and inclusiveness in their structures to strengthen credibility and public confidence.

They further noted the growing influence of the Middle Belt as a strategic political bloc, capable of shaping national coalitions and outcomes through calculated alliances rather than isolated ambitions.

In its resolutions, the conference reaffirmed its commitment to building a broad, reform-driven coalition for 2027, calling on political actors and citizens to embrace unity, strategic cooperation, and inclusiveness as the foundation for Nigeria’s future leadership.