By Musa Ubandawaki
SOKOTO — The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu remains politically strong in the North-West and is well positioned to secure substantial support from the region ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Matawalle said the administration’s achievements in security, infrastructure, agriculture and economic reforms have continued to strengthen public confidence in the President’s leadership despite criticism from opposition groups.
He maintained that no amount of misinformation or politically motivated attacks would distract President Tinubu from delivering on his mandate to Nigerians.
According to the minister, some opposition elements, particularly in the North-West, have resorted to spreading false narratives and exaggerating security challenges in an attempt to undermine the achievements of the Federal Government.
He argued that critics of the administration had failed to acknowledge the progress made in tackling insecurity and implementing development projects across the country.
Matawalle commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, noting that many personnel had paid the ultimate price in service to the nation.
He said the Tinubu administration had adopted a more coordinated and intelligence-driven approach to addressing insecurity, particularly in the North-West states of Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi.
According to him, the strategy has led to the neutralisation of several notorious bandit leaders and the dismantling of criminal hideouts across the region.
The minister noted that sustained military operations had restored relative peace in many communities previously affected by banditry, enabling residents to return to farming and other productive economic activities.
He also highlighted progress in counter-insurgency operations in the North-East and efforts to curb communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.
Speaking on the administration’s broader development agenda, Matawalle said the Renewed Hope Agenda was producing positive outcomes across key sectors of the economy.
He pointed to improvements in security, infrastructure development, agriculture, social investment programmes and economic reforms, saying Nigerians were beginning to experience the benefits of purposeful governance.
The minister further cited several Federal Government initiatives that have directly impacted Northern Nigeria, including the rehabilitation and expansion of major road networks, increased support for agricultural value chains, food security interventions, investments in rail and energy infrastructure, and programmes aimed at empowering youths and women.
He added that ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, improve access to education, support local industries and expand economic opportunities were receiving positive responses from citizens across the region.
Matawalle expressed optimism that the administration’s achievements would continue to resonate with Nigerians as the country moves closer to the next general elections.
He said many residents of the North-West were already witnessing improvements in security, livelihoods and overall well-being, adding that such gains would remain a key factor in shaping public perception of the government’s performance.
The minister, however, urged political leaders and stakeholders across party lines to place national interest above partisan considerations and support ongoing efforts to consolidate peace, security and sustainable development across the country.
He stressed that national unity and collective commitment to development remain critical to preserving the gains achieved and advancing Nigeria’s long-term stability and prosperity.
