Matawalle Responds to Babachir Lawal, Insists Northerners Will Support Tinubu in 2027

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Babachir Lawal’s recent remarks about President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in the 2027 election have been rejected by Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defense.

In a statement released by Henshaw Ogubike, the Ministry of Defense’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Matawalle said that Lawal and his colleagues would be taken aback by the massive amount of support Tinubu would get from the North in 2027.
“Despite only having been in government for 19 months, President Bola Tinubu has significantly improved all parts of Nigeria, especially the North. The North’s populace will support Mr. President in building on the reforms and accomplishments he has started,” Matawalle said.

According to the minister, Tinubu had implemented significant reforms that called for ongoing support from the north, especially in the areas of defense and security.

Nigerian security forces apprehended 11,600 criminals, destroyed over 8,000 terrorists and bandits, and retrieved over 10,000 weapons in 2024. The North’s security has greatly improved as a result of this strong effort.

Approximately 8,000 abduction victims were successfully rescued, demonstrating the government’s dedication to guaranteeing everyone’s safety. Additionally, the Multi-Agency Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAAKFC), which was established in December 2024 in partnership with the UK’s National Crime Agency, has improved strategic cooperation in the anti-kidnapping effort,” he said.
He added that Lawal’s assertions of northern discontent with Tinubu were unfounded and an effort to create division.
“The North is unwavering in its backing of President Tinubu. The minister went on to say, “Any suggestion to the contrary is an intentional attempt to erode our national unity.”

In order to harness the agricultural potential of the North, empower millions of farmers, and enhance food security, Matawalle cited the establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development as a crucial economic effort.

It is anticipated that this project will improve food security and change rural communities. The efficiency of the government’s agriculture policies is demonstrated by the recent drop in grain prices nationwide, he said.

He also pointed to the administration’s emphasis on building roads and enhancing the transportation system as evidence of Tinubu’s dedication to the North.

“Moreover, Tinubu’s enactment of local government autonomy enables local administrations to operate efficiently, guaranteeing accountability and improved governance at the local level,” he said.

Instead of discounting Tinubu’s accomplishments, Matawalle urged detractors like Lawal to conduct an unbiased assessment of his leadership.

We in the North must evaluate the observable advantages of the president’s initiatives. “The progress being made should not be overshadowed by the cries of dissent,” he said.