The Middle Belt, Which Came Out Strongly For Obi In 2023, May Not Be That Strong This Time–Pogu

According to a report by The Sun on June 7, 2026, the President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), Dr. Bitrus Pogu, has voiced concerns over several developments that he believes could undermine the credibility and smooth conduct of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He identified challenges within political parties, questions surrounding electoral preparedness, and reports of a security breach involving a critical backend server of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as issues that require urgent attention.

Pogu noted that these developments have generated uncertainty about the country’s electoral process and could create significant obstacles as preparations for the next election gather momentum. He particularly expressed concern over reports that a major INEC server had been compromised, emphasizing that the system allegedly contains extensive information relating to registered voters nationwide.

According to him, any breach involving such a vital component of the electoral infrastructure raises serious concerns about data security and the commission’s ability to protect sensitive information essential for conducting transparent and credible elections. He suggested that public confidence in the electoral process could be affected if concerns about the security of voter data are not adequately addressed.

The MBF leader also linked the uncertainty surrounding the 2027 elections to the persistent crises affecting several political parties. He explained that leadership disputes, internal divisions, and prolonged disagreements within party structures have contributed to confusion across the political landscape. In his view, these challenges may influence political alliances, campaign strategies, and voter confidence in the period leading up to the elections.

While acknowledging that the Middle Belt strongly supported Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in 2023, Pogu indicated that the region’s political outlook may be shifting. According to him, discussions and feedback from residents suggest that a significant number of people are now considering alternative political choices.

Highlighting the changing mood within the region, he stated: “The Middle Belt, which came out strongly for Obi in 2023, may not be that strong this time, because lots of Middle Belters feel they would prefer this time to support Mr. President. So, these confusions are there.”

Pogu maintained that these evolving political sentiments, combined with concerns about election preparedness and party instability, have contributed to the uncertainty currently surrounding the 2027 electoral landscape.

More details here...