2027: Tinubu’s Critics Will Be Put to Shame at the Polls, Matawalle Declares

By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that critics of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will be “ashamed” by the outcome of the 2027 general election, insisting that the President’s record in office will ultimately earn him renewed public support.

Matawalle made the assertion on Tuesday in Sokoto through his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga, during 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 engaging in what he described as deliberate campaigns of misinformation and propaganda aimed at undermining the President’s achievements.

According to him, attempts to tarnish Tinubu’s image through “falsehood, lies and mischief” will not diminish what he called the administration’s significant strides in governance, security and national development.

Matawalle maintained that Tinubu remains one of Nigeria’s most committed leaders, citing efforts to tackle insecurity, improve governance and address challenges inherited from previous administrations.

He said the President has continued to implement projects across key sectors while strengthening support for the Nigerian military and other security agencies in their fight against insecurity, particularly in the northern region.

The minister also highlighted the administration’s focus on economic reforms, education, infrastructure and human capital development, which he said are aimed at reducing poverty and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“It is surprising that despite the President’s efforts to promote peace, unity and national progress, some individuals and groups remain determined to discredit his administration for personal and political interests,” he said.

He further alleged that some political actors were exploiting young people to spread misinformation and negative narratives against the government, warning that such actions could undermine national cohesion and development.

Describing Tinubu as a focused and visionary leader, Matawalle urged Nigerian youths to shun false information and embrace values that promote peace, unity and national progress.

He also called on politicians across party lines to prioritise community development, economic growth and national stability over partisan interests.

Earlier, the Lead Convener of the North-West Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives, Yusuf Abubakar, said the group was established to mobilise grassroots support for Tinubu’s re-election bid by highlighting the administration’s achievements and development agenda.

Abubakar stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to educate Nigerians on the government’s policies and programmes, which he said are contributing to economic growth, infrastructural development and national stability.

He commended Matawalle for supporting the initiative and urged him to sustain efforts aimed at consolidating support for Tinubu ahead of the 2027 election.

According to him, the retreat attracted no fewer than 58 community leaders representing various groups and associations from Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna states.