Matawalle Defends Tinubu’s, Dismisses Opposition Propaganda

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.