Air Commodore John Bako (Rtd), chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Middle Belt Forum, has warned politicians against aligning with former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, arguing that his political influence has waned. Bako suggested that the Middle Belt may support President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections due to unprecedented federal projects and institutions established in Southern Kaduna under the current administration, even though the region did not vote for him in 2023.
Asked about his caution to politicians regarding El-Rufai, Bako said, “Because of his past actions and the security risks he represents, people must steer clear. During his eight-year tenure in Kaduna, we witnessed terror, destruction of businesses, residential areas, and even government structures. Today, the civil service is just a shadow of what it once was.”
On El-Rufai’s recent statements, Bako argued, “By every standard, with the security reports surrounding him, he should not be roaming freely. Any right-thinking government would hold him accountable because he is not above the law. Yet he continues to make contradictory claims, including that the government is paying bandits, when he himself allegedly encouraged their presence. It’s insincere and dishonest.”
Bako also criticized El-Rufai’s role in introducing the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 elections. “He did it in Kaduna, saying Christians were less than 25 percent, and then justified it at the federal level, sidelining Southern Kaduna. Now he claims it was merely politics. That kind of dishonesty makes him unreliable.”
Turning to the performance of Tinubu’s administration, Bako noted that federal projects have brought tangible benefits to the Middle Belt. “The PDP ruled for 16 years and delivered nothing in Southern Kaduna. Under Tinubu, who we didn’t even vote for, we now have a Nigerian Army Brigade, a Federal University of Applied Science, and a Federal Medical Centre—all within two years. Isn’t that proof of progress?”
Bako emphasized that the region should prioritize development and security over political appointments. “God gave us General Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff—something nobody expected. We must shift focus from selfish appointments to tangible projects that benefit the people. It’s like a father who refuses to feed you for 16 years, and then someone else comes and provides everything you need. Who would you hold on to?”
As 2027 approaches, Bako urged Middle Belt citizens to put progress above religion or party affiliation. “Politics should not be about religion. We should support whoever delivers for us. Right now, if there is no better option, Tinubu’s government remains the best choice. The coalitions are still forming, but wherever El-Rufai pitches his tent, it’s already a collapsed one.”
Bako also stressed unity and vigilance against external threats. “We must defend our land, heritage, and people. Terrorism is being fueled by outsiders who want our land. Whether Muslim or Christian, Middle Belters must stand together. We cannot lose our home to foreigners. Look at Northern Nigeria—the conflict there escalated because crime was framed as religious, rather than calling it what it truly is. We must learn from that.”
