President Bola Tinubu has appointed Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, as Deputy Director, Security and Intelligence I, of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council. The appointment was made on Saturday, August 22, and was formally acknowledged by the ministry of defence in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 23.
Ministry of Defence Welcomes Appointment
The ministry of defence, in a statement released by chief information officer Queeneth Iheoma-Hart on behalf of the director of information and public relations, said the appointment reflects President Tinubu's confidence in Matawalle's track record in public service, security management and political mobilisation. The ministry described the decision as a recognition of Matawalle's contributions to national security and his ability to galvanise political support.
According to the ministry, Matawalle will oversee the security architecture for all campaign activities, with responsibility for the safety of candidates, campaign officials and supporters across Nigeria. He will also work with security agencies to carry out threat analysis and risk mitigation for campaign operations in all states.
Matawalle's Responsibilities and Past Role
In addition to his security oversight duties, Matawalle will coordinate inter-agency and stakeholder engagement, which includes liaising with traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth and women's groups to strengthen support for the campaign's security framework. This role builds on his previous experience as zonal coordinator for the north-west during the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council, a position he described as "one of the most important chapters" of his political career.
On his verified X (formerly Twitter) page, Matawalle acknowledged the appointment and pledged his full commitment to the assignment. He wrote: "I accept this responsibility with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of duty. I am truly honoured to be called upon to serve once again in an assignment of such national importance, and I fully recognise that this appointment is not merely an honour, but a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice."
Matawalle Pledges Loyalty and Victory in 2027
Matawalle also referenced the Tinubu Again Movement, a nationwide initiative he said he founded after the 2023 election to promote the Renewed Hope administration's policies and programmes. He pledged to work closely with the director-general and all members of the Campaign Council, adding that his focus would remain on securing victory for Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
He stated: "I am ready for the task. I accept the appointment fully and will redouble my efforts to ensure that the confidence reposed in me is justified by results." The former Zamfara state governor's appointment comes as the APC finalises its campaign structure for the next general election, with Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun earlier assigned to lead fundraising efforts for the campaign, as reported by Legit.ng.
