Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 election, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal made certain remarks that have been rejected by Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense.
“Lawal and his colleagues would be shocked by the overwhelming support Tinubu would receive from the North in 2027,” Matawalle said in a statement released by Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defense’s Director of Information and Public Relations.
“In his short 19-month tenure, President Bola Tinubu has significantly improved all parts of Nigeria, especially the North. In order to build on the successes and reforms Mr. President has started, the people of the North will unite behind him, Matawalle said.
The minister claimed that Tinubu had implemented significant reforms that were worthy of sustained northern backing, especially in the areas of defense and security.
Over 8,000 terrorists and bandits were killed by Nigerian security forces in 2024, 11,600 criminals were taken into custody, and over 10,000 firearms were found. Security throughout the North has greatly improved as a result of our strong effort.
“The accomplishment of saving about 8,000 abducted people demonstrates the government’s dedication to guaranteeing everyone’s safety.” Additionally, he said that the creation of the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC) in December 2024, in partnership with the National Crime Agency of the United Kingdom, has improved strategic coordination in the battle against abduction.
Lawal’s accusations of northern discontent with Tinubu, he added, were unfounded and an effort to foment division.
“The North’s support for President Tinubu is unwavering. “Any hint to the contrary is an intentional attempt to erode our unity as a nation,” the minister continued.
Matawalle cited the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a crucial economic move that aims to increase food security, empower millions of farmers, and harness the agricultural potential of the North.
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“This project is anticipated to improve food security and change rural communities. He claimed that the recent drop in grain prices nationwide is evidence of how well the government’s agricultural policies are working.
As evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to the North, he also pointed to the administration’s emphasis on infrastructure development, which includes building new roads and enhancing the transit system.
He added that Tinubu’s enactment of local government autonomy “enables local administrations to function effectively, ensuring accountability and better governance at the grassroots level.”
Matawalle asked those who criticize Tinubu’s governance, such as Lawal, to consider it critically instead of discounting his endeavors.
Assessing the observable advantages of the president’s initiatives is crucial for those of us in the North. He declared, “The progress being made should not be overshadowed by the cries of dissent.”
