Defence minister warns plotters, demands unity behind President’s reforms
By Our Correspondent Abuja
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is firmly on course for a resounding victory in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that no amount of political scheming can derail the President’s reform-driven agenda.
Speaking at his Abuja residence on Saturday, Matawalle dismissed emerging political manoeuvres aimed at weakening the Tinubu administration, describing them as reckless distractions that threaten democratic stability and national progress.
According to the minister, President Tinubu’s bold economic and institutional reforms have begun to yield results, particularly in security and governance, and deserve broad-based national support rather than premature power contests.
“President Tinubu has taken courageous decisions to stabilise the economy and rebuild our institutions,” Matawalle said.
“Those angling for power now are driven by narrow personal interests. If allowed to complete his reform programme, the President will win convincingly in 2027.”
Matawalle warned that early succession battles and factional politics divert attention from governance and weaken public confidence in democracy.
He argued that Nigeria’s priority must remain economic recovery, security consolidation and national cohesion.
The defence minister pointed to what he described as visible progress in the North and other parts of the country, crediting the improvements to policies initiated under Tinubu’s leadership.
He urged political actors to abandon destabilising tactics and instead engage constructively in nation-building.
Calling for unity across party lines, Matawalle appealed to Nigerians to rally behind reforms aimed at job creation, institutional strengthening and long-term economic growth.
“Now is the time to support policies that deliver security, prosperity and unity, not to indulge in rancour and short-term political gains,” he said.
Matawalle’s comments come amid increasing political undercurrents ahead of the 2027 general election, with the minister’s statement reinforcing the administration’s push for stability and continuity as reforms take root.
