2027: Tinubu Strong In North-West, Propaganda Won’t Stop Him — Matawalle

Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains politically formidable in the North-West and is well-positioned for victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The minister made the assertion in a statement issued by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, on Thursday.

This is coming amid recent reports suggesting declining support for the president in parts of the North-West, where some analysts and politicians have raised concerns over economic hardship and security challenges.

Reacting to the NoiPolls Government Approval Survey, which gave President Bola Tinubu’s administration a 30 per cent approval rating after three years in office, the ADC noted that the the result reflects what it described as  wide spread rejection of the administration over worsening economic hardship, unemployment, and insecurity, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi in a statement said, ““The tragedy is that after three years in office, the government can no longer claim that these challenges were inherited.

However, Matawalle said opponents of the administration were attempting to downplay ongoing security gains and development initiatives, particularly in the North-West, by amplifying isolated security incidents to create fear and discontent among Nigerians.

According to him, the Tinubu administration has recorded significant progress in tackling insecurity through a more coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy, especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states.

He said the efforts had led to the elimination of several notorious bandit leaders, the destruction of criminal hideouts and the restoration of relative peace in many communities previously affected by violence.

“The opposition is uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded in the fight against insecurity and the ongoing developmental strides across the country,” Matawalle said.

He commended members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their sacrifices in protecting the nation, noting that many personnel had paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

The minister also cited improvements in the fight against insurgency in the North-East and ongoing efforts to curb communal and criminal violence in parts of the North-Central region.

Beyond security, Matawalle said the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda was delivering results in key sectors, including infrastructure, agriculture, social investment and economic reforms.

He highlighted federal government interventions in Northern Nigeria, such as the rehabilitation of major road networks, support for agricultural value chains, food security programmes, rail and energy projects, as well as youth and women empowerment initiatives.

Matawalle maintained that the impact of these policies was resonating with citizens across the region and would translate into political support for the President ahead of the next general election.

“The people of the region understand the efforts being made to improve their security, livelihoods and overall well-being. They are witnessing the results firsthand,” he said.

He expressed confidence that no amount of political blackmail or misinformation would diminish the administration’s achievements, insisting that President Tinubu remained focused on governance, national development and improving the welfare of Nigerians.

Matawalle also called on political leaders to place national interest above partisan considerations and support efforts aimed at consolidating peace, security and development across the country.

The minister said the administration was confident that the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to strengthen public support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. (Daily trust)