Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has declared that President Bola Tinubu continues to enjoy widespread support in the North-West, expressing confidence that the administration's performance will strengthen its electoral prospects ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Matawalle said efforts by opposition politicians to discredit the government through what he described as misleading narratives on insecurity and governance would not diminish public confidence in the President.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media aide, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, the minister argued that recent gains in security operations and development programmes were becoming increasingly visible across the country, particularly in the northern region.
According to him, critics of the administration have chosen to focus on isolated security incidents while ignoring broader successes recorded by security agencies in the fight against banditry, insurgency and other criminal activities.
He praised members of the Armed Forces and other security personnel for their sacrifices, noting that their commitment had contributed significantly to the restoration of peace in several troubled communities.
Matawalle said military operations backed by intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration had dealt major blows to criminal networks operating in states such as Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi.
He maintained that the improved security environment had allowed many residents to return to their farms and businesses, helping to revive local economies previously disrupted by violence.
The minister also pointed to ongoing operations in the North-East and interventions in parts of the North-Central zone as evidence of the government's determination to tackle security challenges across the country.
Beyond security, he said the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda was producing tangible results through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, social welfare and economic reforms.
He noted that several federal initiatives, including road rehabilitation projects, agricultural support schemes and food security programmes, had delivered direct benefits to communities in Northern Nigeria.
Matawalle further highlighted investments in rail transport, energy development and empowerment programmes for young people and women, saying the initiatives were creating opportunities and improving livelihoods.
He expressed confidence that the administration's record would continue to attract public support as Nigerians assess the impact of government policies in the years leading to the next general election.
The minister urged political stakeholders to prioritise national unity and development, stressing that collective efforts were needed to sustain peace, strengthen security and advance economic growth across the country.
