Group To Tackle Challenges Facing Middle Belt, Backs Tinubu/Shettima

A group under the auspices of Pan-Middle Belt Movement for Tinubu/Shettima 2027 has said its activities would focus on electoral mobilisation and issues of development, security, infrastructure, education, healthcare and broader Middle Belt interest.

The group said it has commenced grassroots mobilisation across the region, saying it targeted six million votes for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima in the 2027 presidential election.

Director of Media and Publicity of the group, Bomba Dauda, in a statement said the group which was inaugurated in Abuja, brought together stakeholders and representatives across the Middle Belt and marked the beginning of a coordinated political mobilisation aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and advancing the interests of the region.

According to the statement, the movement was initiated by senator representing Kaduna South senatorial District, Sunday Marshall Katung in collaboration with other stakeholders.

Speaking during the inauguration meeting, the convener, Hon. Edward John Auta, said the organisation was established to provide a platform for the people of the Middle Belt to participate meaningfully in the political process while articulating issues affecting the region.

Auta stressed that achieving the target of six million votes would require sustained mobilisation from the national level down to states, local government areas and communities.

The Patron of the movement, Samuel Atung, SAN, urged members to overcome what he described as the “minority syndrome” and place collective interests above individual differences.

He said the Middle Belt shared a common destiny and must work together despite differences in ethnicity, faith and political affiliations.

Atung also highlighted some federal appointments and development interventions under the Tinubu administration, including infrastructure projects and the establishment of a university and Federal Medical Centre in Southern Kaduna.

The statement said the movement’s national leadership has Vice President Kashim Shettima as Grand Patron, while Atung serves as Patron.

It also disclosed plans to seek a meeting between its National Steering Committee and Vice President Shettima to formally present its structure and objectives and discuss issues affecting the Middle Belt.