The Niger Delta Youth Congress (NDYC) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ignore what it describes as a coordinated political smear campaign aimed at discrediting the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Mohammad Bello Matawalle.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Israel Uwejeyan, the group alleged that recent criticism of Matawalle was part of a political plot orchestrated by individuals and power blocs uncomfortable with the minister’s growing influence as a key ally of the president in the north.
According to the NDYC, the attacks are aimed at weakening the administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group claimed that certain political actors view Matawalle as a stabilizing figure within the president’s support base in the north and believe that attacking him would disrupt Tinubu’s broader political control.
“The masterminds behind these attacks believe that weakening Matawalle is the shortest way to weaken President Tinubu’s political consolidation in the North,” the statement said.
He described the minister as “a stabilizing force, a bridge builder and one of the president’s strongest political strengths in the region.”
Warning that it would be a serious strategic mistake for the president to bow to pressure to sideline the minister, the NDYC argued that such a decision would embolden those seeking to create divisions within the administration. He said the campaign against Matawalle was driven by political insecurity, envy and fear of his growing influence, rather than genuine national interest.
The group alleged that unidentified people were sponsoring misinformation and distorting events to sow public distrust. He urged Nigerians to see the attacks as an attempt to destabilize the presidency by isolating loyal allies.
“Matawalle remains a committed advocate for national security reforms and a steadfast ally of the president. Supporting loyal allies like Matawalle is essential for national cohesion, political stability, and sustained support as the nation moves toward 2027,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its support for the administration’s security initiatives, the NDYC said Matawalle’s contributions to national defense and unity are indispensable, warning that removing him would create unnecessary tensions and distract from national priorities.