Middle Belt youths launch 10m-vote push for Tinubu 2027 after elders' realignment
Middle Belt youths have launched a mobilisation drive targeting 10 million votes for President Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, marking a sharp political realignment from their 2023 support for Peter Obi. The movement, spearheaded by aviation entrepreneur Isaac Balami, follows Thursday's meeting between Tinubu and prominent Middle Belt elders led by General Theophilus Danjuma at the Presidential Villa.
Balami, who previously mobilised Middle Belt youths for Obi, said the shift came after elders assessed the administration's recognition of the region through strategic appointments, security efforts, and inclusion in national decision-making. The group is now collaborating with the City Boy Movement, including Seyi Tinubu and DG Francis Shoga, to organise across the region.
The elders' delegation included Defence Minister Christopher Musa, Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang, Taraba Governor Agbu Kefas, former Speaker Yakubu Dogara, and former Army Chief General Ishaya Bamaiyi. Dogara said the visit demonstrated solidarity and discussed security, development, and political engagement ahead of 2027.
This is significant: Obi won Plateau and Nasarawa states in 2023 with strong youth backing. Balami claims the same young voters are now ready to redirect support to Tinubu, citing improved representation and security progress.
With the Middle Belt's voting power up for grabs, will this elder-led, youth-executed realignment hold through 2027, or will economic realities and security outcomes reshape the calculation again?