Stop inciting Nigerians against Tinubu’s administration, Matawalle tells opposition

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has urged opposition politicians to refrain from actions and comments capable of inciting Nigerians against the constitutionally elected government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Matawalle made the call in a statement issued Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, while reacting to reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had engaged a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents relating to President Tinubu in the United States.

He described the reported move as unfortunate, saying it “neither strengthens Nigeria’s democracy nor contributes to addressing the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.”

According to him, opposition leaders should focus on supporting efforts aimed at tackling insecurity, strengthening national unity and improving the welfare of Nigerians instead of pursuing actions capable of undermining the country’s image abroad.

“Rather than seeking to tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad and undermine the Presidency, opposition leaders should channel their energy towards supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity, strengthen national unity and improve the welfare of Nigerians,” he said.

Matawalle stressed that the Presidency “remains a national institution and symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty which deserves respect irrespective of political affiliations or differences.”

He maintained that the country’s democratic choices were determined by its citizens and not by foreign governments or lobbying firms.

He said, “No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or alter the mandate freely given by Nigerians. Our political differences must never come at the expense of our country’s image and collective interest.”

The minister also cited what he described as “recent commendation by the United States President, Donald Trump, on President Tinubu’s leadership and Nigeria’s progress in strengthening security cooperation and combating terrorism.”

He said the reported recognition reflected growing international confidence in the Tinubu administration and should encourage Nigerians to unite behind efforts to advance national development.

Matawalle noted that campaigns built on “propaganda and hatred” against a government elected by Nigerians would not weaken the administration, but would ultimately fail.

“Those thinking that the use of lies and mischief can bring down President Tinubu’s government are jokers because the country belongs to the people, and they will willingly make their choice again in 2027,” he said.

He urged opposition parties to embrace constructive engagement by offering credible alternatives and supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, promote peaceful coexistence and accelerate national development rather than pursuing campaigns capable of overheating the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general elections.