The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has urged opposition politicians to refrain from actions capable of inciting Nigerians against the administration of President Bola Tinubu, warning that political rivalry must never come at the expense of national unity and Nigeria’s global reputation.
In a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister said political disagreements should be expressed within the bounds of democratic principles, without undermining the country’s institutions or tarnishing its image on the international stage.
Matawalle described as regrettable reports alleging that a Nigerian politician engaged a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents relating to President Tinubu in the United States. He argued that such actions neither strengthen Nigeria’s democracy nor provide solutions to the country’s pressing security and socio-economic challenges.
Instead, he called on opposition leaders to channel their energies toward supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to combat insecurity, foster national unity, and improve the welfare of Nigerians, rather than pursuing campaigns aimed at discrediting the Presidency.
The minister emphasized that the Presidency is a national institution and a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that deserves respect, irrespective of political affiliations.
“No foreign government or lobbying firm can determine Nigeria’s democratic choices or overturn the mandate freely given by Nigerians,” Matawalle stated.
He stressed that healthy political competition should be driven by ideas and policies, not actions capable of damaging the nation’s image or undermining its collective interests.
Matawalle also pointed to what he described as growing international recognition of the Tinubu administration, noting that United States President Donald Trump had recently commended President Tinubu’s leadership and acknowledged Nigeria’s progress in strengthening security cooperation and the fight against terrorism.
According to him, such recognition reflects increasing global confidence in Nigeria’s direction and should inspire citizens to project a positive image of the country rather than promote divisive narratives abroad.
The minister further maintained that campaigns built on propaganda, misinformation, and hatred would neither derail the Tinubu administration nor diminish its achievements. Instead, he said, such tactics would ultimately erode the credibility of those promoting them.
Reaffirming that President Tinubu was freely elected by Nigerians, Matawalle urged opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by presenting credible policy alternatives while supporting initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity, promoting peaceful coexistence, and accelerating national development.
With preparations for the 2027 general elections gradually taking shape, the minister cautioned political actors against actions capable of overheating the polity, insisting that all stakeholders have a shared responsibility to preserve Nigeria’s unity, stability, and international standing.