2027: Tinubu will shame critics at polls, says Matawalle

The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will silence his critics and political opponents through his performance and eventual victory in the 2027 general elections.

Matawalle stated this on Tuesday in Sokoto while delivering a solidarity message at a contact and sensitisation retreat organised by the North-West Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives.

The minister accused some opposition figures and critics of the administration of engaging in what he described as falsehood, mischief and propaganda aimed at discrediting the President’s achievements. According to him, such campaigns would not diminish the impact of Tinubu’s policies and developmental efforts across the country.

“Those who are spreading lies and engaging in mischievous propaganda against President Tinubu will eventually be ashamed. Their actions cannot overshadow the positive stewardship and developmental strides being recorded under this administration,” Matawalle said.

He described Tinubu as a leader committed to addressing Nigeria’s challenges, particularly insecurity, economic reforms and governance.

“President Tinubu remains one of the leaders who genuinely have the interest of Nigerians at heart. He has demonstrated selfless service and courage in confronting the security and governance challenges inherited from previous administrations,” he stated.

The minister said the President had continued to support the military and other security agencies in their efforts to restore peace and stability across the country, especially in northern Nigeria.

“Significant support has been provided to the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, leading to notable successes in the fight against insecurity.

The administration is also investing in infrastructure, education, human capital development and economic reforms aimed at improving the lives of citizens,” he added.

Matawalle expressed concern over what he called coordinated attempts by certain individuals and groups to undermine the government despite its efforts to promote national unity and development.

“It is surprising that some people have chosen to partner with individuals whose objective is to tarnish the image of the President despite the administration’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, unity and progress,” he said.

“The same elements are misleading some youths and encouraging the spread of false information and negative propaganda for selfish political interests.”

The minister urged young Nigerians to avoid being used as tools for spreading misinformation and instead embrace initiatives that promote peace, development and national cohesion.

“Youths should embrace positive ventures and refrain from spreading falsehood and unfounded information capable of creating chaos and disunity in the country,” he advised.

He also called on politicians and community leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development and economic growth.

Earlier, the lead convener of the North-West Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives, Yusuf Abubakar, said the retreat was designed to strengthen grassroots support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to him, the initiative seeks to mobilise Nigerians by highlighting the administration’s achievements and development agenda.

“This platform was established to showcase the quality of leadership being provided by President Tinubu and to mobilise support for his re-election through public enlightenment and stakeholder engagement,” Abubakar said.

He stressed the need for continued collaboration among political, community and civil society stakeholders to educate Nigerians on the policies and achievements of the administration.

Abubakar also commended Matawalle for supporting awareness campaigns in the North-West and urged him to sustain the efforts.

“We appreciate the role being played by the Minister of State for Defence in promoting awareness and mobilisation. We encourage him not to relent in supporting President Tinubu’s vision for a more stable, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he added.

He disclosed that the retreat attracted no fewer than 58 leaders of community-based groups, association heads and ambassadors from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna States.