Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has called on President Bola Tinubu to remain alert amid what it describes as renewed political maneuvering by opposition figures following the resignation of former Defense Minister, Badaru Abubakar.
In a statement jointly signed by its Vice President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, and National Spokesperson, Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, the group said it felt obliged to warn the President about “a strategic political pattern reminiscent of the 2015 tactics deployed against former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
Ohanaeze alleged that some opposition elements were attempting to revive political strategies similar to those used during the 2015 election cycle, such as exploiting security challenges and increasing coordinated media pressure to weaken the incumbent government.
He claimed that recent political developments in Kebbi State had been deliberately politicized and that successful military operations led by the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, had disrupted criminal networks, provoking renewed hostility from political rivals.
The organization noted the deployment of “media propaganda, fabricated narratives and distortions” allegedly aimed at undermining the president’s support base in the north and weakening key allies within his administration.
Matawalle, it said, had become a prime target due to his role in coordinated anti-banditry operations and his perceived influence in the region.
Ohanaeze also dismissed reports circulating that the United States had demanded the removal of Badaru and Matawalle as a condition for further military cooperation.
The organization called the claims baseless and insisted that foreign governments do not dictate Nigeria’s security decisions. He reiterated that Badaru’s resignation, as publicly stated, was solely due to personal medical reasons.
The group urged political actors to avoid dragging Matawalle into what it called “unnecessary political theatre”, highlighting its continued commitment to supporting the federal government’s anti-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts in the North.
Ohanaeze commended the collaboration between the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Matawalle in safeguarding the lives and businesses of Igbo residents in the 19 northern states.
He encouraged President Tinubu to strengthen his support for the Ribadu-Matawalle partnership and urged the military service chiefs to consolidate the recent gains recorded in security operations.
The organization called on Nigerians to support the president’s security reforms, stressing that national unity and collective determination remain vital to overcoming the country’s current challenges.
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