Matawalle Declares Tinubu Will Silence Critics by 2027

Mohammed Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has assured Nigerians that political adversaries and critics of President Bola Tinubu's administration will face defeat in the 2027 elections. These remarks were delivered through his Special Adviser on Politics, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga, at a Contact and Sensitisation Retreat organized by the Northwest Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives in Sokoto.

Matawalle strongly denounced those criticizing President Tinubu, characterizing them as purveyors of falsehoods, lies, mischief, and propaganda designed to undermine the President's public image and the performance of his government. He asserted that such deceptive tactics would not diminish President Tinubu's positive stewardship or his significant achievements in developmental transformation. Matawalle championed President Tinubu as an exemplary leader deeply committed to the interests of the Nigerian populace, demonstrating selfless service in addressing the nation's profound challenges, particularly the inherited issues of insecurity and poor governance from previous administrations.

He further highlighted President Tinubu's commitment to implementing commendable projects across various sectors, coupled with robust support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to combat the persistent security issues plaguing the nation, especially in the North. Matawalle emphasized Tinubu's prioritization of economic, educational, human, and capital development as crucial for national growth, aiming to alleviate citizens' hardships and enhance poverty reduction initiatives across Nigeria.

Expressing dismay, Matawalle noted, "It is a surprise that some groups of Nigerians are partnering with individuals to tarnish the image of the President despite his efforts toward the country’s peaceful coexistence, unity, and progress." He accused these "unscrupulous elements" of engaging disoriented youths to spread falsehoods and negative propaganda against the President's office, criticizing his performance for their own selfish interests.

Describing President Tinubu as an amiable leader resolutely focused on resolving Nigeria's challenges and steering the country towards peace, unity, and development, Matawalle appealed to the youth to shun ventures that propagate falsehoods and unsubstantiated information, which could lead to national chaos and discord. He also urged politicians to proactively engage in community development and contribute to national economic progress and stability.

In his address, Malam Yusuf Abubakar, the lead convener of the event, elucidated that the joint groups established the retreat with the primary goal of mobilizing support for President Tinubu's re-election. This mobilization effort involves showcasing the calibre of his leadership and his dedicated focus on national development. Abubakar stressed the critical need for ongoing collaboration with other stakeholders to enlighten Nigerians about President Tinubu's stewardship, thereby fostering national stability and advancing economic and infrastructural progress.

Abubakar commended Minister Matawalle for initiating the awareness forum and encouraged him to persist in his efforts to support President Tinubu in securing a second term in office. The retreat saw the participation of no fewer than 58 community group leaders, association heads, and ambassadors hailing from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Kaduna states, underscoring the broad regional engagement in the initiative.