The Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's achievements in office will ultimately silence his critics and political opponents ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Matawalle's Remarks at Sokoto Retreat
Matawalle made the assertion on Tuesday during a Contact and Sensitisation Retreat organised by the Northwest Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives in Sokoto. The minister was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Ibrahim Maigandi Danmalikin Gidan Goga.
According to Matawalle, criticisms against the Tinubu administration are largely driven by misinformation, propaganda and deliberate attempts to undermine the President's efforts at addressing Nigeria's challenges. He argued that such campaigns would not diminish the impact of the administration's policies and developmental initiatives across the country.
Administration's Achievements Speak for Themselves
“The achievements of President Tinubu in critical sectors of the economy, security, infrastructure, education and human capital development speak for themselves. Nigerians will judge his administration based on its performance and commitment to national development,” he said.
The minister described Tinubu as a leader committed to tackling insecurity, improving governance and fostering national unity, noting that the administration has continued to support the armed forces and other security agencies in confronting security threats across the country, particularly in the North.
Economic and Social Policies
He further stated that the President's economic and social policies are aimed at reducing poverty, improving citizens' welfare and creating a foundation for sustainable national growth.
Matawalle lamented what he described as coordinated efforts by some individuals and groups to tarnish the image of the President despite ongoing reforms and developmental programmes. He urged Nigerian youths to avoid spreading false information capable of creating division and instability, and instead embrace values that promote peace, unity and national development.
Call for Positive Contribution
The minister also called on politicians and community leaders to contribute positively to nation-building and support initiatives that advance economic progress and social stability.
Earlier, the Lead Convener of the Northwest Tinubu/Matawalle Peace and Unity Initiatives, Malam Yusuf Abubakar, said the retreat was organised to mobilise support for President Tinubu's re-election bid by highlighting the administration's achievements and developmental agenda.
Abubakar stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in educating Nigerians on government policies and programmes aimed at strengthening economic growth, infrastructure development and national stability.
