By Israel Adamu, Jos
The Cultural Middle Belt Renaissance Forum (CMRF) has strongly condemned the decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee to zone its 2027 presidential ticket to the South.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Prince D.I. Onucheyo, the group described the move as a betrayal of the Middle Belt’s legitimate aspirations for political representation.
“The Middle Belt deserves better, Nigeria deserves better. It is high time our political leaders recognized the region’s potential and allowed us the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national leadership,” the statement read.
The forum argued that the region has credible and visionary leaders capable of addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic challenges. It singled out Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim as an outstanding figure, praising his commitment to the welfare and development of the Middle Belt.
“Leaders like Dr. Hashim, with his proven track record and dedication to the region’s progress, make him an ideal candidate to represent the Middle Belt in the 2027 presidential election,” the forum noted.
The group maintained that the PDP’s decision came too late, as the North Central and Middle Belt have already rallied behind Olawepo-Hashim. It urged him to remain resolute, assuring that the region would stand firmly behind his candidacy.
Calling on the PDP to revisit its decision, the CMRF warned that zoning the ticket to the South without consulting the Middle Belt could cost the party significant support in the region.
“We stand united in our resolve to ensure that the voices of the Middle Belt are heard and respected in the corridors of power. We will not stand idly by while decisions affecting our collective future are made without our input,” the group declared.
The CMRF stressed that its demand goes beyond political representation, insisting it is about recognizing the region’s contributions to Nigeria’s development and giving it a fair chance at national leadership.
