A coalition of young activists from Nigeria’s Middle Belt declared on Thursday the launch of a political movement aimed at securing the re‑election of President Bola Tinubu and the continued dominance of the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections. The initiative, called the National Rebirth Movement, will coordinate its activities with the leadership of the City Boy Movement and the APC campaign council.
What is the core objective of the movement?
The group, led by aviation entrepreneur and political figure Isaac Balami, intends to rally at least ten million votes for Tinubu from the Middle Belt and North‑Central states. Balami said the decision follows a recent meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja between Tinubu and senior regional elders headed by General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma. He described the encounter as a turning point that convinced the younger generation to back the incumbent president.
Key facts
- The movement will operate in partnership with the City Boy Movement, whose Director‑General is Seyi Tinubu and whose executive board includes Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga.
- Balami previously mobilised support for Peter Obi in the 2023 election, a role he says ended after what he termed “abandonment” by the Labour Party.
- The youth leader pledged to deliver ten million votes for Tinubu, citing the region’s growing representation in federal appointments and security initiatives.
- A delegation of Middle Belt leaders, including Defence Minister Christopher Musa and Governors Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) and Agbu Kefas (Taraba), met Tinubu on the same day, underscoring the political weight of the region.
- Balami quoted, “Our fathers have spoken. They have met the father. We have equally met the son. The movement has begun,” emphasizing the inter‑generational hand‑over of political responsibility.
Why the shift from Obi to Tinubu?
Balami argued that the current administration has begun to recognise the Middle Belt through strategic appointments, security operations, and inclusion of regional figures in national decision‑making. He noted that youths who once campaigned for Obi now see greater opportunity for influence under Tinubu’s government.
How will the movement address security and development?
The leader highlighted persistent insecurity—attacks, kidnappings, and displacement—that has plagued the region for years. He praised any improvement in safety but urged the government to maintain and expand protective measures. Additionally, the movement will push for infrastructure, quality education, job creation, and an environment conducive to business growth, arguing that political participation is the pathway to achieving these goals.
What does the future hold for Middle Belt politics?
Balami stressed that the initiative is not merely about endorsing a presidential candidate; it aims to embed young people in the political process, giving them platforms to propose ideas and partake in governance. The movement’s ambition is to transform the Middle Belt from a passive electorate into an active stakeholder in Nigeria’s development.
The announcement follows the Thursday meeting between Tinubu and a high‑level delegation led by Danjuma, which also included former House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, former Chief of Army Staff General Ishaya Bamaiyi, businessman Thomas Etuh and Dr. Poju Bitrus. Dogara later affirmed that the delegation’s visit was meant to show solidarity with the president and discuss security, development and political engagement ahead of the 2027 polls.
Overall, the emergence of the Middle Belt Youths for Asiwaju signals a concerted effort to translate the influence of established regional leaders into a broader, youth‑driven mobilisation that could reshape the electoral landscape in Nigeria’s pivotal 2027 presidential contest.