Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has cautioned opposition politicians against making statements capable of inciting Nigerians against the Federal Government, insisting that national interest must take precedence over partisan politics.
Matawalle issued the warning in a statement released on Friday by his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, while criticising the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, over his reported engagement of a foreign lobbying firm to circulate decades-old documents relating to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the United States.
The minister argued that such actions neither strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions nor offer meaningful solutions to the country’s socio-economic and security challenges.
He urged opposition leaders to channel their energies toward supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity, promote national unity and improve citizens’ welfare, rather than embarking on campaigns that portray Nigeria negatively before the international community.
Matawalle stressed that the Presidency remains a sacred national institution and a symbol of Nigeria’s sovereignty that should be respected regardless of political affiliations or electoral 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.”
The minister maintained that domestic political disagreements should never be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s international image, adding that patriotic leaders have a responsibility to project the country’s interests positively on the global stage.
He further cited what he described as recent commendation from United States President Donald Trump on Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in the areas of security cooperation and counter-terrorism, as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s current direction.
Matawalle said such recognition should encourage national unity and support for ongoing reforms rather than fuel campaigns aimed at discrediting the country abroad.
“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.
The minister expressed confidence that no amount of foreign lobbying, misinformation or political manoeuvring would diminish public confidence in the Tinubu administration, insisting that only Nigerians have the constitutional right to choose their leaders through the ballot.
He therefore urged opposition politicians to embrace constructive engagement by presenting alternative policy ideas and supporting ongoing efforts to combat insecurity, strengthen peaceful coexistence and accelerate national development.