Matawalle: Tinubu’s Secret Weapon for 2027

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Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

In the intricate chessboard of Nigerian politics, where every move counts, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appears to have a secret weapon in Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, the Honourable Minister of State for Defence and former Zamfara State governor.

If Tinubu harbours any hopes of tightening his grip on the millions of Northern votes for a resounding re-election in 2027, then Matawalle is undeniably the man to bank on.

As the saying goes, “you don’t change a winning team,” and Matawalle’s performance in his current role is nothing short of stellar. Since his appointment, he has led the Nigerian Armed Forces with the precision of a maestro conducting an orchestra, coordinating major operations across Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States. These operations have significantly dented the scourge of banditry in the region, bringing relief to communities that have long endured the reign of terror. It’s a testament to his leadership that he has managed to carve a reputation as a no-nonsense statesman, deeply committed to restoring peace and order.

But beyond the battlefield, Matawalle’s political clout is equally formidable. Last week, Zamfara State played host to a mammoth gathering of APC supporters who trooped out en masse to celebrate their son of the soil. It wasn’t just a show of solidarity—it was a roaring affirmation of his popularity among the grassroots. As the adage goes, “the voice of the people is the voice of God,” and if the sheer size and energy of the crowd were anything to go by, Matawalle’s influence runs deep among the common man.

In a region where political loyalty is often won in the trenches of trust and admiration, Matawalle is the kind of political juggernaut Tinubu needs to lock down the Northern stronghold. His ability to connect with the masses, coupled with his sterling credentials as a defender of the nation, makes him a rare gem in the APC fold.

If Tinubu plays his cards right, leveraging Matawalle’s goodwill and influence could very well tilt the scales in his favour come 2027. As the Northern electorate remains a critical bloc in Nigeria’s political equation, the president would be wise to keep Matawalle in his corner. After all, “a bird in hand is worth two in the bush,” and with Matawalle, Tinubu has more than just a bird—he has a hawk ready to swoop down and deliver.

 

 

Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu
Journalist writes from Katsina

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