Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has dismissed claims of declining support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the North-West, insisting that the region remains firmly behind the president as the 2027 elections approach.

Matawalle’s remarks came in response to recent surveys and opposition statements suggesting that economic hardship and insecurity were eroding Tinubu’s popularity. The minister argued that such narratives were driven by propaganda aimed at undermining the administration’s achievements.

He pointed to the NOI Polls survey, which gave Tinubu’s government a 30 per cent approval rating after three years in office. Opposition figures, including Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, interpreted the result as evidence of widespread rejection. Abdullahi argued that the administration could no longer claim to have inherited Nigeria’s challenges.

Matawalle countered that critics were deliberately amplifying isolated incidents of insecurity to overshadow progress. He highlighted coordinated military operations in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kebbi states, which he said had eliminated notorious bandit leaders, dismantled criminal hideouts, and restored relative peace in affected communities.

“The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country,” Matawalle stated.

He praised the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices, noting that many personnel had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He also cited improvements in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and efforts to reduce communal violence in the North-Central region.

Beyond security, Matawalle stressed that Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was delivering results in infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, and economic reforms. He listed federal interventions in Northern Nigeria, including road rehabilitation, agricultural value chain support, food security programmes, rail and energy projects, and empowerment initiatives for youth and women.

According to him, these policies are resonating with citizens and will translate into political support for Tinubu in 2027. “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,” he said.

Matawalle expressed confidence that no amount of political blackmail or misinformation would diminish the administration’s achievements. He insisted that Tinubu remained focused on governance, national development, and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

He urged political leaders to prioritise national interest over partisan rivalry, stressing that consolidating peace and development should be the collective goal. The minister concluded that the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to strengthen Tinubu’s support base in the North-West and across Nigeria as the 2027 elections draw closer.

The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a controversial turn after the United States denied visas to hundreds of Ivory Coast supporters. The decision has forced many fans to abandon plans to travel for the tournament, raising questions about visa policies and their impact on global sporting events.

Julien Kouadio Adonis, president of the National Committee of Elephants Supporters (CNSE), confirmed the setback. He said the refusal had left fans disappointed and unable to fulfil their role of cheering the national team on the world stage.

“The supporters have cancelled the trip because the US government does not want to see supporters from certain countries, including the Ivory Coast, on its soil,” Kouadio explained. He described the situation as deeply painful, stressing that supporting the team is considered a “sacred duty” by many Ivorians.

The CNSE, operating under the Ministry of Sport, is responsible for organising travel for fans during international competitions. Earlier this year, Kouadio had expressed optimism that about 500 supporters would make the journey to North America. That hope has now been dashed, with only a handful of committee officials receiving clearance to travel.

Despite the restrictions, CNSE officials say they will focus on coordinating support from Ivorian fans already living in the United States. Kouadio noted that more than 1,000 diaspora supporters are expected to attend matches, ensuring the team will not be left without encouragement in the stands.

Ivory Coast will play two of their three group-stage matches in Philadelphia. They face Ecuador on June 15 and Curacao on June 25. Between those fixtures, the team will travel to Toronto for a clash against Germany. The absence of travelling supporters from Abidjan and other cities is expected to affect the atmosphere, but organisers hope diaspora fans will fill the gap.

The visa denials have not only affected Ivory Coast. Earlier this week, Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry, while members of Iran’s support staff also faced rejections. These developments have sparked wider concerns about how US immigration policies intersect with international sporting events.

For Ivory Coast, the setback underscores the challenges African nations face in mobilising supporters for global tournaments. While the team prepares for tough matches against Ecuador, Germany, and Curacao, the absence of their traditional fan base could be felt both on and off the pitch.

Kouadio insisted that the CNSE remains committed to ensuring visible support for the Elephants. “A handful of our officials will be present to look after Ivorian supporters based in the United States,” he said. The committee hopes to coordinate chants, banners, and cultural displays to maintain the team’s spirit during the competition.

The issue highlights the broader tension between global sports and national immigration policies. As the World Cup expands to 48 teams for the first time, organisers face the challenge of balancing security concerns with the inclusive spirit of football.

For Ivorian fans, the disappointment is profound. Many had saved for months to make the trip, only to be stopped by visa restrictions. Yet, with diaspora supporters stepping in, the Elephants will still hear familiar voices as they chase success in the 2026 World Cup.

Activist Aisha Yesufu has sharply criticized Senator Seriake Dickson, national leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing him of appearing insecure and acting as though he competed with the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Her remarks came in response to Dickson’s interview on ARISE NEWS, where he defended the NDC leadership and dismissed criticisms from Obi supporters following the party’s primaries. Yesufu, however, argued that Dickson’s tone and focus during the interview undermined confidence in the party’s readiness for the 2027 elections.

Yesufu described a portion of the interview as “painfully appalling,” stressing that Dickson’s first major media appearance after the primaries should have been used to reassure party members and promote candidates. Instead, she said, the leader made the conversation about himself rather than the party’s collective mission.

She rejected Dickson’s suggestion that some members had failed to follow internal rules because of their popularity. According to her, she complied with the party’s processes during the primaries and even worked to calm aggrieved supporters in the Federal Capital Territory.

Yesufu explained that she toured parts of Abuja to pacify members who felt disrespected after waiting for primaries that did not take place. She insisted that her actions demonstrated loyalty to the party and commitment to its broader goals.

The activist further accused Dickson of treating the NDC as a “special purpose vehicle” whose objective ended with registration, rather than as a political party determined to win the 2027 general election. She emphasised that the leader’s responsibility was to pacify aspirants and encourage supporters, not antagonise them.

“As a leader of a political party, your number one job in that interview was to pacify aspirants, many of whom are rightfully aggrieved, and secondly to call on supporters to bear with the party and support it,” she wrote. “But you ended up antagonising the very people you would need to win an election. Every vote counts!”

Yesufu stressed that no one was challenging Dickson’s leadership but warned that fragile egos must not distract from the urgent task of rescuing Nigeria. She urged the NDC to focus on building unity and preparing for the 2027 polls.

“There is a whole battle ahead of us. Rescuing Nigeria from the current state it is in should be the main focus, not people’s fragile ego,” she added.

Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State, had earlier defended the party against criticisms, insisting that the NDC remained united despite disagreements from the primaries. He dismissed suggestions of an internal crisis and argued that attacks on the party were counterproductive to Obi’s ambition.

The exchange highlights growing tension within the NDC as it positions itself for the 2027 elections. While Dickson insists the party is stable, Yesufu’s intervention underscores concern among members about leadership style and strategy.

Observers note that the NDC’s ability to manage internal disagreements will be crucial as it seeks to present itself as a credible alternative in Nigeria’s political landscape. With the 2027 elections approaching, activists like Yesufu are pressing for a shift from personality-driven disputes to collective action aimed at winning power and addressing Nigeria’s challenges.