According to a report by The Sun on Saturday, September 27, 2025, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), has expressed his views on the growing speculation surrounding the possible return of former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2027 presidential election.
He advised the former president not to allow himself to be influenced by individuals who may only want to use his name and influence for their personal political interests.
According to him, such a move would not serve Jonathan well or contribute positively to the political stability of the country.
Pogu noted that Jonathan had played a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic journey and had earned respect both locally and internationally.
He stressed that returning to the race under pressure from those seeking to advance their own agenda could tarnish the legacy the former president has built.
He added that Jonathan should carefully consider his decision and resist being drawn into unnecessary political battles that may not reflect his true intentions.
The MBF president also took the opportunity to comment on remarks recently made by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, during a television interview.
El-Rufai reportedly made statements about the people of Southern Kaduna, particularly regarding their population and influence, which many have described as dismissive.
This, according to Pogu, did not come as a surprise, as it reflected the former governor’s long-standing attitude towards the Middle Belt and Southern Kaduna communities.
He explained that El-Rufai’s time in office was marked by policies that, in his view, deliberately marginalized people from those regions.
Pogu said developmental projects that could have benefitted Southern Kaduna were withheld or diverted, leaving the area with little to show in terms of infrastructure or government support.
He described the comments as a continuation of the discriminatory approach that defined El-Rufai’s administration.
Pogu further emphasized that the Middle Belt, including Southern Kaduna, has always been an important part of Nigeria’s socio-political structure.
He said the region deserves fair treatment and equal opportunities, just like any other part of the country.
He warned against comments or actions that could fuel division, noting that they do not contribute to national unity.
He highlighted that discrimination in any form, whether in governance or public statements, is damaging to a nation striving for stability and progress.
For him, the concerns of the Middle Belt people are genuine, and they deserve to be addressed with fairness rather than neglect.
He insisted that leaders must carry all groups along in governance, regardless of political or ethnic differences.
Dr. Bitrus Pogu maintained that the Middle Belt Forum would continue to stand for justice and fairness, while ensuring that the voices of its people are heard in the national conversation.
He called on political leaders to approach issues with sensitivity, noting that inclusive leadership remains the key to Nigeria’s unity and development.
He said: El-Rufai has never liked Middle Belt people; he also never liked the people of Southern Kaduna. He discriminated seriously against them. And whatever he says now is just an extension of what he has done. He ensured that lots of developmental projects in Southern Kaduna were denied them while he was in office. See, More, Here>>>>
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