Middle Belt delegation meets President Tinubu amid concerns over religious representation

A delegation of leaders from Nigeria's Middle Belt region met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Abuja on Friday, according to reports from AllAfrica and Daily Trust. General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, a former defence minister, headed the coalition, which also comprised Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang, Taraba State governor Agbu Kefas, former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Army Chief General Ishaya Bamaiyi, defence chief General Christopher Musa, entrepreneur Thomas Etuh, and Middle Belt Forum head Dr Poju Bitrus. All members identified as Christians, and the meeting focused on forging a political alliance for the 2027 general elections.

The gathering has drawn criticism from analysts and observers who argue that the delegation did not reflect the full geographic and religious makeup of the Middle Belt. Critics note the absence of Muslim leaders and the exclusion of several prominent politicians, including serving and former governors, senior National Assembly members and retired senior civil servants, who appear to have been left out because of their faith. Attempts to reach some delegation members, such as former Speaker Dogara and Senator Sunday Marshal Katung, were unsuccessful.

Background

The Middle Belt Forum, an organisation that seeks to promote the interests of the region’s diverse ethnic and religious groups, was not involved in selecting the delegation. A source within the forum said the group was hand‑picked solely by General Danjuma, who chairs the forum’s board of trustees. Forum spokesman Luka Binniyat confirmed that President Poju Bitrus was invited to attend but did not take part in choosing the participants, and he could not explain why no Muslims were included.

General Danjuma used the occasion to urge Nigerians, particularly those in the Middle Belt, to re‑elect President Tinubu in the January 2027 presidential election. He argued that Tinubu’s first term had begun projects that required a second term to complete. Danjuma also highlighted the president’s appointment of many Christians to government positions as evidence of fairness and tolerance.

Why it matters

The composition of the delegation is significant because the Middle Belt is a region marked by religious and ethnic diversity, with both Christian and Muslim communities playing key roles in local politics. Excluding Muslim leaders could exacerbate perceptions of marginalisation and undermine the forum’s claim to represent the whole region. The meeting’s focus on political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections suggests that the delegation may be mobilising support for Tinubu, potentially influencing voter behaviour in a crucial swing area.

Analysts warn that the lack of inclusive representation could fuel tensions in a region already sensitive to sectarian balance. The criticism also reflects broader concerns about how political elites manage regional alliances and whether they adequately reflect constituent demographics.

What happens next

President Tinubu is scheduled to face a re‑election bid in January 2027. The Middle Belt Forum’s leadership has indicated that the delegation’s composition was not coordinated with the forum, leaving open the possibility of further internal discussions about representation. No official response from the president’s office has been reported, and no additional meetings have been announced. The situation is likely to remain a point of discussion as political campaigning intensifies across Nigeria in the lead‑up to the election.