Middle Belt Convocation Sets Conditions For Political Support

Political parties seeking the support of the Middle Belt ahead of the 2027 general elections must present clear, measurable and region-specific plans to address insecurity, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development, a three-day convocation in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, has declared.

The convocation warned the people of the region against committing themselves prematurely to any political party without examining its proposed solutions to the challenges confronting their communities.

The position was contained in a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the first-ever Fire Convocation of Middle Belt Nations, held at Throneroom Ministries, Kafanchan, from October 15 to 17, 2026, signed by Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, Apostle Dabs Dalyop Gwom, Hon. Rimamnde Shawulu Kwewum, Apostle Emmanuel Egoh Bako and other participants.

The gathering, led by the vision pioneer of Throneroom Trust Ministries, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure, brought together ministers from different Christian denominations across 15 Middle Belt states and the Federal Capital Territory, alongside elder statesmen, affected families and resource persons in peace and conflict journalism, research and advocacy.

According to the communiqué, political support should be determined by credible programmes, accountability and demonstrable commitment to equitable national development rather than general campaign promises and political rhetoric.

“The Middle Belt region should not be quick in committing with any political party until clarity is given on their plans,” the communiqué stated, cautioning those who had already committed themselves without such clarity to reconsider their position in the overall interest of the people.

It said political parties and candidates must demonstrate how their policies would address the peculiar challenges of each region, with measurable commitments to security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, economic empowerment, agriculture and inclusive governance.

On security, the convocation expressed concern over persistent killings, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across communities, questioning why Nigeria continued to struggle with these threats despite the country’s intelligence, security and strategic institutions.

It identified intelligence organisations within the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Ministry of Justice, anti-corruption agencies and financial intelligence services as institutions whose capacities should contribute to addressing the crisis.

The communiqué also expressed concern over what it described as government silence and absence in rural communities affected by violence, warning that the continued insecurity was undermining the safety and confidence of residents.

On national restructuring, the gathering called for a review of Nigeria’s regionalisation formula to correct what it described as existing anomalies, including the creation of additional states to achieve greater balance.

The communiqué also stressed the need for unity among Christian denominations, urging churches to overcome differences and work collectively to advance peace, justice, security and community welfare.

It called on ethnic nationalities, communities and faith groups to speak out about violence affecting them while pursuing dialogue, peace and justice.

The gathering ended with a symbolic bonfire in remembrance of people killed in violence, providing an occasion for mourning and reflection, as well as a renewed commitment to peace and a better future for affected communities.