Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence, has cautioned opposition figures against activities that may provoke citizens against the government led by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that national interests should supersede political rivalries.
Matawalle specifically criticized former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for allegedly hiring a foreign lobbying group to distribute historical documents regarding President Tinubu within the United States. He labeled this strategy as unpatriotic and damaging to the global reputation of Nigeria.
According to a statement from his aide, Ahmad Dan Wudil, the minister urged political opponents to focus their efforts on assisting the government with security, national cohesion, and public welfare. He asserted that the Presidency serves as a vital symbol of national sovereignty that warrants respect regardless of election outcomes.
The minister highlighted that recent praise from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding counter-terrorism collaboration reflects rising international trust in the current administration. He warned that persistent negative campaigns will not destabilize the government, nor will they erode the mandate granted to President Tinubu by the public.
Matawalle concluded by encouraging opposition members to offer constructive policy alternatives instead of engaging in divisive rhetoric. He reminded political actors of their collective duty to uphold the nation’s integrity as the country prepares for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
