The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will secure overwhelming support across Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-West, during the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on the performance of the current administration, Matawalle said President Tinubu remains politically popular in the region and is likely to receive even greater electoral backing than in previous contests. He argued that the administration’s efforts in addressing insecurity, improving infrastructure, and implementing economic reforms have strengthened public confidence in the government.
The minister dismissed criticisms from opposition groups, accusing them of deliberately amplifying security concerns and spreading misleading narratives to diminish the achievements recorded by the Federal Government.
According to him, opposition politicians have focused on isolated security incidents while ignoring broader successes recorded by the military and other security agencies in the fight against banditry, terrorism, and other forms of criminality.
Matawalle praised members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the country, noting that many personnel have lost their lives while defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
He stated that the Tinubu administration has adopted a more coordinated, intelligence-based security strategy, particularly in North-West states such as Sokoto State, Zamfara State, Katsina State, Kaduna State and Kebbi State. He said these efforts have led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders and the dismantling of criminal hideouts.
The minister added that military operations have helped restore relative calm in many previously troubled communities, allowing residents to return to farming and other productive activities. He also pointed to progress in counterinsurgency operations in the North-East and efforts aimed at reducing violence in parts of North-Central Nigeria.
Highlighting the administration’s broader achievements, Matawalle said the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda has delivered measurable results in security, infrastructure, agriculture, social investment, and economic reform.
He cited ongoing road construction and rehabilitation projects, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, and empowerment schemes targeting young people and women as examples of interventions benefiting Northern communities.
According to him, government efforts to improve education, strengthen local industries, expand economic opportunities, and enhance national security have continued to receive positive feedback from citizens across the region.
Matawalle maintained that the administration’s accomplishments would play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment ahead of the next general election.
He argued that many Nigerians, particularly in the North, are already seeing improvements in security and economic opportunities and would not be swayed by what he described as politically motivated attacks against the government.
The minister said President Tinubu remains focused on governance, national development, and improving the welfare of citizens, expressing confidence that voters would reward those efforts with strong support in 2027.
He also called on political leaders across party lines to prioritize national unity and support initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and development throughout the country.
The statement was issued by Ahmad Dan-Wudil, Personal Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Defence.
Middle-Belt Times 