The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called on former political office holders and associates from his time as Zamfara State governor to back President Bola Tinubu’s campaign against banditry and wider insecurity.
Matawalle made the appeal on Saturday in Kaduna during an interactive session with former members of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, former commissioners, special advisers, and other political allies who served in his administration from 2019 to 2023.
The meeting covered security challenges, political developments, and the state of affairs in Zamfara. It also gave the former governor a platform to align his political network with the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the gathering, Matawalle stressed that protecting lives and property is the core duty of any serious government.
He said the APC-led Federal Government under Tinubu is firmly focused on defeating banditry and restoring peace to affected communities.
“Security of lives and property is the major concern of every serious government in any country. That is why the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has focused strongly on securing the nation,” he said.
Matawalle noted that the President has shown consistent commitment through regular engagements and consultations with stakeholders and security agencies.
He added that Tinubu would not let security challenges derail progress on economic development, peace, and national unity.
He urged the former officials and members of his political structure to carry the administration’s message to the grassroots, especially communities in Zamfara State.
Matawalle specifically directed them to mobilise support for the Tinubu Again Movement and rally residents behind the President’s re-election bid in 2027.
“I want you to go back to your various constituencies and continue to sensitise our people on the efforts being made by the Federal Government to secure the country. We must support every genuine effort to restore peace and security in Zamfara and other parts of the country. Without security, there can be no meaningful development,” he told the group.
He also called for unity and continued commitment within the political structure, saying collective effort would be essential for success in 2027.
Leaders of the groups present praised Matawalle for maintaining a strong political network since leaving office as governor. They noted that he continues to enjoy significant loyalty despite his national role on the Federal Executive Council.
One leader said: “We are here because of the confidence we have in the leadership of Senator Bello Matawalle. His political structure remains strong, and we are ready to work with him for the success of President Tinubu.”
The leaders pledged support for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election, stating that the President’s success would benefit their constituencies.
They committed to highlighting the administration’s achievements at the grassroots and mobilising public backing for its programmes.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing Federal Government and security agency efforts to combat banditry and other forms of insecurity in Zamfara and the wider North-West.