Fear in Obi, Atiku’s camps as Middle Belt youths begin movement for Asiwaju

Political unrest is brewing in the Middle Belt region as youths from the area announce their support for President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The movement, led by Isaac Balami, a prominent aviation entrepreneur and political figure, was sparked following a meeting between Tinubu and a group of elders from the Middle Belt in Abuja.

Balami emphasized that the movement signals a new political direction for the region, with young people ready to take responsibility for the political future of the Middle Belt.

Balami explained that the decision was influenced by the region's growing recognition in the current administration, particularly through appointments, efforts to address insecurity, and the inclusion of people from the region in national decision-making. He highlighted that some of the same young people who supported Peter Obi in the 2023 election are now prepared to redirect their support towards Tinubu in 2027.

Balami also noted that the Middle Belt's communities have suffered years of attacks, displacement, kidnappings, and destruction of livelihoods, and the improvement in security should be recognized while government efforts to protect vulnerable communities must be sustained.

The movement aims to provide a platform for young people across the Middle Belt to participate actively in national politics, allowing them to contribute ideas and be involved in governance. Balami emphasized that the Middle Belt has enormous human and natural resources, and its people deserve infrastructure, quality education, jobs, and an environment where businesses can thrive.

The announcement comes after a meeting between Tinubu and a delegation of prominent Middle Belt and North-Central leaders, including Danjuma, Christopher Musa, Caleb Mutfwang, Agbu Kefas, Yakubu Dogara, Ishaya Bamaiyi, Thomas Etuh, and Dr Poju Bitrus.