Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has criticised opposition politicians over reports that they are seeking foreign support to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement released on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, Matawalle urged opposition leaders to avoid actions that could turn Nigerians against the country’s elected government, saying national interest should come before political rivalry.
The minister specifically reacted to reports that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar hired a foreign lobbying firm to circulate old documents about President Tinubu in the United States. He described the move as regrettable, unpatriotic and detrimental to Nigeria’s international image.
Matawalle argued that such actions do not strengthen democracy or help address Nigeria’s economic and security challenges. Instead, he urged opposition leaders to support efforts to improve security, promote national unity and enhance citizens’ welfare.
He also said the office of the President should be respected regardless of political differences.
According to the statement, “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.”
Matawalle added that Nigeria’s political disputes should not damage the country’s reputation abroad. He said recent praise from President Donald Trump for Tinubu’s leadership, particularly on security cooperation and counterterrorism, reflects growing international confidence in Nigeria.
The minister warned that misinformation and politically motivated attacks would not weaken the Tinubu administration or halt its development plans.
He further stated, “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.”
Matawalle expressed confidence that foreign lobbying would not affect public support for the Tinubu administration, stressing that Nigerians alone have the constitutional right to choose their leaders through elections.
He called on opposition parties to focus on presenting alternative policies, supporting efforts to tackle insecurity and working together to protect Nigeria’s unity, stability and international reputation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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