The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says President Bola Tinubu remains politically strong in the North-West and well-positioned for victory in the 2027 election.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Matawalle’s personal assistant on media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, in Kaduna on Thursday.

Mr Matawalle said no amount of propaganda, misinformation or politically motivated attacks by opposition elements would distract Mr Tinubu from delivering on his mandate to Nigerians.

The minister alleged that some opposition elements, particularly in the North-West, were spreading false narratives and exaggerating security challenges to undermine the administration’s achievements.

According to him, critics are uncomfortable with the progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and ongoing development efforts across the country.

The minister said rather than acknowledge the sacrifices of security agents and gains made in combating insecurity, such groups were focusing on isolated incidents to create fear and political tension.

Mr Matawalle commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their commitment and sacrifices in defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

He noted that many security agents had paid the supreme price while serving the nation.

The minister said the Tinubu administration adopted a coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to addressing insecurity, especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

He said the strategy led to the killing of several notorious bandit leaders and the destruction of criminal hideouts.

According to him, military operations have restored relative peace in many communities previously affected by insecurity.

Mr Matawalle said the improved security situation enabled residents in some areas to return to farming and other economic activities.

He also highlighted 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 minister said the Renewed Hope Agenda was delivering positive results in critical sectors of the economy.

He listed security, infrastructure, agriculture, social investment and economic reforms among areas where Nigerians were beginning to witness the impact of government policies.

Mr Matawalle said several federal government initiatives had directly benefited Northern Nigeria through road rehabilitation, agricultural support and food security interventions.

He added that investments in rail and energy infrastructure, as well as programmes targeting youths and women empowerment were yielding positive outcomes.

The minister said government efforts to strengthen security architecture, improve education, support local industries and expand economic opportunities were receiving encouraging responses from citizens.

He expressed confidence that the administration’s achievements would continue to resonate with Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, citizens are witnessing ongoing efforts aimed at improving security, livelihoods and overall well-being across the country.

Mr Matawalle said Mr Tinubu remained focused on governance, national development and the welfare of all Nigerians.

He expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would further strengthen public support for the administration.

The minister urged political actors to place national interest above partisan considerations and support ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, security and development nationwide. 

(NAN)