Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has warned opposition politicians against utterances and actions capable of turning Nigerians against the constitutionally elected government of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that national interest must always come before partisan politics.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, the minister singled out the reported decision by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to hire a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents on President Tinubu in the United States, describing it as regrettable, unpatriotic and damaging to Nigeria’s image abroad.
According to Matawalle, such moves do nothing to strengthen the country’s democratic institutions or address its pressing socio-economic and security challenges. He urged opposition leaders to instead channel their energy into supporting efforts to tackle insecurity, promote national unity and improve the welfare of citizens.
He stressed that the Presidency remains a sacred national institution and a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty deserving of respect regardless of political leanings or electoral differences.
“No foreign government or lobbying firm will determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or overturn the mandate freely bestowed on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Nigerian electorate,” the statement read.
The minister pointed to recent commendation of President Tinubu’s leadership by United States President Donald Trump, particularly on improved security cooperation and the fight against terrorism, as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s direction. He said such recognition should inspire unity rather than campaigns to paint the country in a negative light.
Matawalle warned that sustained propaganda, misinformation and politically motivated attacks would not weaken a government enjoying constitutional legitimacy. “Those promoting falsehoods and sponsoring divisive narratives against President Tinubu’s government should realise that such actions will ultimately rebound on them politically and morally, while Nigerians remain committed to safeguarding their democratic mandate,” he said.
He called on opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by offering credible policy alternatives and backing efforts to combat insecurity and strengthen peaceful coexistence, stressing that every political actor owes Nigeria the duty of protecting its unity, stability and reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Source: Vanguard.
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