A support group within the All Progressives Congress (APC), known as the APC Integrity Network, has voiced strong backing for the federal government’s security strategy and dismissed a recent protest aimed at the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, as misguided.
In a statement released Friday in Abuja, the group’s President, Bamidele Ibrahim Ayoola, said the protest organized by the APC Young Leaders Alliance did not reflect the true views of core APC members and stakeholders. He described the demonstration as poorly coordinated and based on misinformation, asserting it was a distraction from the minister’s ongoing efforts in bolstering national defence.
Ayoola criticized the protest's timing, noting that it came at a time when Nigeria needs unity and strong leadership to confront serious security challenges. The group also questioned the authenticity of the protesters, citing inconsistencies in their affiliations and messaging.
Reaffirming their support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Ayoola urged party members to remain focused and avoid actions that could disrupt national progress or divide the party. He stressed the need to support ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing governance and promoting unity.
“This isn’t just about Minister Matawalle. It’s a deliberate attempt to destabilize President Tinubu’s cabinet and create disunity within the APC,” Ayoola said. “These enemies of progress are trying to portray ministers as ineffective or corrupt ahead of the 2027 elections.”
He added that efforts to discredit Matawalle were politically motivated, particularly by rivals in his home state of Zamfara. The former governor, who served from 2019 to 2023, was appointed by President Tinubu to contribute to Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, especially in the northern region.
The group highlighted Matawalle’s dedication since assuming office, stating that he has remained focused on tackling banditry and terrorism in Zamfara and other frontline areas. According to Ayoola, the goodwill Matawalle continues to receive across party lines has unsettled some politicians who now resort to sponsoring protests to undermine his work.
“It’s unfortunate that while the minister is using his experience to support the military, some political actors are bent on disrupting his mission through orchestrated protests,” the statement concluded.
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