Southern Kaduna: Middle Belt Forum distances self from El-Rufai

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has disowned former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, over his recent comments against the people of Southern Kaduna, warning political parties against aligning with him ahead of the 2027 elections.

At a press conference in Kaduna, MBF National Publicity Secretary, Luka Binniyat, said any party that offers El-Rufai a prominent role risks losing the support of the Middle Belt.

“El-Rufai has shown he is not a friend of the region. Any party that embraces him should forget about our votes in 2027,” Binniyat declared.

Speaking in the same vein, MBF Kaduna State Chairman, Air Commodore John Bako Ajeye (rtd), accused the former governor of spreading falsehood and attempting to sow division.

He said El-Rufai left behind a legacy of demolition, mass sack of workers, neglect of infrastructure, and worsening insecurity.

Ajeye described El-Rufai’s comments on Southern Kaduna as dangerous and bigoted, particularly his comparison of the predominantly Christian communities to the proscribed Shiite movement.

He said such rhetoric was aimed at justifying systemic marginalisation and violence during his administration.

The MBF chairman further alleged that El-Rufai engaged in balkanisation of traditional institutions, manipulation of electoral wards to disenfranchise communities, and disregard for the security of lives and property.

He also reminded Nigerians that El-Rufai had once admitted to paying bandits and openly justified the Muslim-Muslim ticket on sectarian grounds.

According to him, El-Rufai’s recent outbursts reflect the frustration of a politician facing “a well-deserved reckoning” after years of “heartless and divisive policies.”