Tinubu Meets Middle Belt Leaders, Gets Support Ahead of 2027 Elections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday met with prominent Middle Belt leaders at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where discussions centred on insecurity, national development, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, with the delegation reaffirming its support for his administration.
The leaders, who visited the President at the State House, also discussed security challenges affecting communities across the Middle Belt and the need for sustained efforts to address them.
Among those present at the meeting were Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; former Chief of Army Staff, General Theophilus Danjuma; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; former Chief of Army Staff, General Ishaya Bamaiyi; and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.
Others included businessman Thomas Etuh and Dr Poju Bitrus.
During the meeting, the delegation expressed confidence in Tinubu’s administration, particularly its efforts to tackle insecurity and promote national development.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, acknowledged what he described as improvements in the country’s security situation but stressed the importance of sustaining efforts to address the challenges confronting communities in the region.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, also highlighted initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust among communities and strengthening peaceful coexistence between people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.
The meeting comes against the backdrop of persistent security challenges across parts of the Middle Belt, particularly Plateau and Benue states, where recurring attacks, communal violence and displacement of residents have continued to raise concerns.
It also comes at a politically significant period as political parties and their supporters intensify preparations and activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Set for Akwa Ibom, Rivers Visits
The meeting with the Middle Belt leaders also coincides with the President’s planned visits to Akwa Ibom and Rivers states, where he is expected to commission completed projects and participate in political activities.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Tinubu would depart Abuja on Friday, November 6, for a two-state visit, beginning with Akwa Ibom before proceeding to Rivers State on Saturday, November 7.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu is expected to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, to commission several projects completed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The projects include the new International Terminal Building, International Airport Hospital and Ibom Aviation Village, all situated at the Victor Attah International Airport.
Others are the Airport-Okopedi Road, which connects communities in Nsit Atai and Okobo Local Government Areas, and Ring Road 3, linking Idoro Road to Ikot Ekpene Road through Uyo and Ibiono Ibom.
The President is also scheduled to commission the AKWA-GIS Office Complex, the Command and Control Centre and the ARISE Palm Resort before attending a political rally in the state.
In preparation for the presidential visit, Governor Umo Eno declared Friday a work-free day to enable residents and workers to participate in the activities.
President to Attend APC Rally in Rivers State
After his engagements in Akwa Ibom, Tinubu is expected to travel to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday to participate in an All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally.
The rally will mark his third political rally since he officially flagged off his re-election campaign in Kaduna State last month.
The Rivers engagement is expected to form part of the President’s growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tinubu Returns from Saudi Arabia After Umrah
The planned presidential visits come barely two days after Tinubu returned to Abuja from Saudi Arabia, where he performed the lesser Hajj, known as Umrah.
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The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 8:53 p.m. on Wednesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa; Minister of State for Defence; the Inspector-General of Police; and other government officials.
During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Tinubu was granted access to the Holy Kaaba in Makkah, where he offered prayers for Nigeria and its citizens.
