The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains politically strong across the North-West and deserves much of the support from the North than any of the presidential aspirants.
This was even as he said President Tinubu is well-positioned for victory in the 2027 presidential election.
Matawalle stated that no amount of propaganda, misinformation, or politically motivated attacks by opposition elements would distract the President from delivering on his mandate to Nigerians.
In a statement issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence, on Thursday, Matawalle remarked that some opposition groups, particularly in the North-West, have resorted to spreading false narratives and exaggerating security challenges in an attempt to undermine the achievements of the Tinubu administration.
“The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country.
“Rather than acknowledge the sacrifices of our security personnel and the gains being made, they focus solely on isolated incidents in an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and political instability,” he said.
Kano first
The Minister commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifice in defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria, noting that many personnel have paid the ultimate price in the service of the nation.
He said the Tinubu administration has introduced a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to tackling insecurity, particularly in the North-West states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi, leading to the neutralisation of several notorious bandit leaders and the destruction of criminal enclaves.
Matawalle further noted that military operations have restored relative peace to many communities previously under threat, enabling residents to return to farming and other economic activities.
He also pointed to improvements in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and efforts to reduce communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yielding positive results across critical sectors.
“From security and infrastructure to agriculture, social investment and economic reforms, Nigerians are beginning to witness the impact of purposeful leadership which will certainly outlive this administration,” he said.
The Minister highlighted several initiatives of the Federal Government that have directly benefited Northern Nigeria, including the expansion and rehabilitation of major road networks, increased support for agricultural value chains, interventions to enhance food security, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, as well as programmes aimed at empowering youth and women.
He added that the administration’s commitment to strengthening security architecture, improving access to education, supporting local industries and expanding economic opportunities continues to receive positive responses from citizens across the region.
Matawalle expressed confidence that the administration’s achievements would continue to resonate with Nigerians ahead of the next general elections.
“The people of the region understand the efforts being made to improve their security, livelihoods and overall well-being. They are witnessing the results firsthand.
“So, no amount of propaganda or blackmail can erase the achievements of this administration.
“The President remains focused on governance, national development and the welfare of all Nigerians.
“As the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda continue to unfold positively, we are confident that Nigerians will overwhelmingly support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027,” he stated.
The Minister, however, urged political actors to place national interest above partisan considerations and support ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, security and development across the country.