The Minister of State for Defence, Mr Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that critics and opposition figures challenging the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be “shamed” in the 2027 general elections.
Matawalle made the remarks in a solidarity message delivered on his behalf by his Special Adviser on Politics, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga, at a Contact and Sensitization Retreat organised by the Northwest Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives on Tuesday in Sokoto.
He described critics of the Tinubu administration as perpetrators of falsehood, mischief, and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the image of the President and undermining the government’s performance.
According to him, such narratives would not diminish what he called the “positive stewardship” and “developmental strides” of the Tinubu-led administration.
Matawalle said President Tinubu remains one of Nigeria’s most focused leaders, committed to national unity, selfless service, and confronting the country’s challenges, particularly insecurity and governance deficits inherited from previous administrations.
He further stated that the President had embarked on the execution of key projects across various sectors, with strong support for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies in tackling insecurity, especially in parts of the North affected by violence.
He added that the administration has prioritised economic recovery, education, human capital development, and poverty reduction to ease the suffering of Nigerians and stimulate national growth.
“It is a surprise that some groups of Nigerians are partnering with individuals to tarnish the image of Mr President despite his efforts for peaceful coexistence, unity, and progress of the country,” he said.
He further alleged that “mischievous elements” were engaging youths to spread falsehood and negative propaganda against the government for selfish interests.
Matawalle described President Tinubu as an amiable leader focused on addressing Nigeria’s challenges and promoting peace, unity, and development.
He urged young people to shun misinformation and instead embrace values that promote national cohesion and development.
The Minister also advised political actors to remain proactive in supporting community development and contributing to national economic stability and progress.
In his address, the Lead Convener of the retreat, Malam Yusuf Abubakar, said the initiative was aimed at mobilising support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid by highlighting his achievements and governance focus.
Abubakar stressed the importance of continuous engagement with stakeholders to educate Nigerians on the administration’s policies and development efforts.
He commended Matawalle for initiating the sensitisation forum and urged him not to relent in efforts to galvanise support for the President ahead of 2027.
He noted that no fewer than 58 community group leaders, association heads, and ambassadors from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna States participated in the retreat.
Middle-Belt Times 