ABUJA, Nigeria — Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle has accused opposition politicians of attempting to enlist foreign support to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration, warning that Nigeria’s political disputes should not be taken abroad or used to damage the country’s international reputation.
The minister’s comments came amid reports alleging that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar engaged a foreign lobbying firm to circulate old United States court documents relating to President Tinubu, an allegation that has intensified political exchanges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued Friday through his Personal Assistant on Media, Ahmad Dan Wudil, Matawalle described the reported lobbying effort as regrettable, unpatriotic and contrary to Nigeria’s national interest.
He argued that no foreign government or lobbying organization should influence Nigeria’s democratic process, insisting that the country’s leadership is determined solely by the Nigerian electorate through constitutional elections.
According to the minister, opposition parties should focus on presenting credible alternative policies rather than pursuing actions that could undermine public confidence in the country’s institutions or weaken Nigeria’s standing on the international stage.
Matawalle maintained that political competition should not come at the expense of national unity, urging political leaders to place the country’s security, economic development and welfare of citizens above partisan interests.
He also stressed that the office of the President deserves respect regardless of political differences, adding that democratic disagreements should be resolved within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
The defence minister further claimed that recent international recognition of President Tinubu’s leadership, particularly in the areas of security cooperation and counterterrorism, reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s efforts to address security challenges and strengthen bilateral relations with international partners.
He warned that what he described as misinformation and politically motivated campaigns would neither weaken the Tinubu administration nor derail its development agenda.
Matawalle said Nigerians alone have the constitutional authority to determine their political future, insisting that external lobbying efforts cannot overturn the mandate given to an elected government.
He called on opposition leaders to channel their energy toward supporting initiatives aimed at improving national security, strengthening democratic institutions and promoting economic growth instead of engaging in activities that could portray Nigeria negatively abroad.
The minister also urged political parties to contribute constructively to national development by advancing policy alternatives capable of addressing the country’s pressing economic and security challenges.
His remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding preparations for the 2027 general elections, with both the ruling party and opposition figures increasingly exchanging criticism over governance, accountability and the direction of Nigeria’s democracy.
