Former commissioners who served under the administration of ex-Zamfara governor and current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, say he remains a dependable political figure within President Bola Tinubu’s camp ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday in Gusau, the ex-commissioners said Matawalle had played significant roles in both state and federal assignments, adding that his contributions to the current administration were “notable”.
Suleiman Tunau Anka, former commissioner of information and spokesperson for the group, said Matawalle’s past roles, including chairing the House Committee on Security and Intelligence during his time in the House of Representatives, had equipped him with experience in security matters.
The former commissioners also highlighted Matawalle’s security approach during his tenure as governor from 2019 to 2023, noting his use of both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address insecurity in Zamfara.
They further credited him with supporting the establishment of key military operations in the North-West and contributing to restructuring efforts at the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The group also pointed to Matawalle’s role as North-West coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima campaign in 2023, saying it strengthened his political relevance within the ruling party.+ See more details
They called on President Tinubu to retain Matawalle in his current ministerial position, arguing that continuity in the Ministry of Defence would be crucial as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
