Badaru’s resignation: Beware of 2015 style of political tactics, Ohanaeze warns Tinubu

Apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to remain vigilant amid what it describes as renewed political manoeuvres by opposition figures following the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar.

In a statement jointly signed by its Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesman, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, the group said it felt compelled to caution the President about “a strategic political pattern reminiscent of the 2015 tactics deployed against former President Goodluck Jonathan.”

Ohanaeze alleged that some opposition elements were attempting to revive political strategies similar to those used during the 2015 election cycle, such as exploiting security challenges and mounting coordinated media pressure to weaken the sitting government.

It claimed recent political developments in Kebbi State had been deliberately politicised and that successful military operations led by Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, had disrupted criminal networks, triggering renewed hostility from political rivals.

The organisation observed the deployment of “media propaganda, fabricated narratives, and distortions” allegedly aimed at undermining the President’s northern support base and weakening key allies within his administration.

Matawalle, it said, had become a prime target due to his role in coordinated anti-banditry operations and his perceived influence in the region.

Ohanaeze also dismissed reports circulating that the United States had demanded the removal of Badaru and Matawalle as a condition for enhanced military cooperation.

The organisation described the claims as baseless, insisting that foreign governments do not dictate Nigeria’s security decisions. It reiterated that Badaru’s resignation, as publicly stated, was due solely to personal medical reasons.

The group urged political actors to avoid dragging Matawalle into what it termed “unnecessary political theatrics,” noting his continued commitment to supporting the federal government’s counterterrorism and anti-banditry efforts in the North.

Ohanaeze commended the collaboration between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Matawalle in safeguarding the lives and businesses of Igbo residents across the 19 northern states.

It encouraged President Tinubu to strengthen his support for the Ribadu–Matawalle partnership and urged military service chiefs to consolidate the recent gains recorded in security operations.

The organisation called on Nigerians to rally behind the President’s security reforms, stressing that national unity and collective resolve remain vital to overcoming the country’s current challenges.

READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE