Minister says Tinubu to get strong North-West backing

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has expressed strong confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure substantial support from northern Nigeria in the 2027 presidential election, citing government achievements in security and development. Matawalle made these remarks in a statement issued on Thursday, June 11, 2026, by his media aide, Ahmad DanWudil.

The minister asserted that President Tinubu remains politically strong in the North-West and across the broader northern region. He argued that some opposition groups, particularly in the North-West, have resorted to spreading misinformation and exaggerating security challenges in an attempt to undermine the federal government's record. Matawalle stated that these critics are uncomfortable with the visible progress being recorded and focus on isolated incidents to create an atmosphere of fear.

He commended the dedication and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, noting that many personnel have lost their lives in service. According to Matawalle, the Tinubu administration has adopted a more coordinated and intelligence-driven strategy to tackle insecurity, especially in the...