Matawalle predicts stronger Northern backing for Tinubu in 2027

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure stronger support across the North in the 2027 presidential election, citing the administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure and economic development.

The minister made the assertion in a statement issued on Thursday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil.

Matawalle said the President remained politically strong in the North-West and other parts of the North, adding that no amount of opposition propaganda would diminish public support for the administration.

According to him, some opposition groups have resorted to spreading misinformation and exaggerating security challenges in an attempt to undermine the achievements of the Federal Government.

Matawalle said, “The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country.

“Rather than acknowledge the sacrifices of our security personnel and the gains being made, they focus solely on isolated incidents in an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and political instability.”

The minister commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment to safeguarding the nation, noting that many personnel had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

He said the Tinubu administration had adopted a more coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy to tackle insecurity, particularly in the North-West states of Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi.

According to him, the approach has led to the neutralisation of several notorious bandit leaders and the destruction of criminal hideouts across the region.

Matawalle added that military operations had restored relative peace in many communities, enabling residents to return to farming and other economic activities.

He also pointed to what he described as progress in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and efforts to curb communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is yielding positive results across critical sectors.

“From security and infrastructure to agriculture, social investment and economic reforms, Nigerians are beginning to witness the impact of purposeful leadership which will certainly outlive this administration,” he added.

The minister highlighted Federal Government interventions in Northern Nigeria, including road rehabilitation projects, agricultural support programmes, food security initiatives, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, and youth and women empowerment schemes.

Expressing optimism ahead of the next general elections, Matawalle said citizens across the region were already witnessing the impact of government policies on their security and livelihoods.

“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, adding that Nigerians would overwhelmingly support Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 if the current momentum is sustained.