Amid mounting criticism from opposition figures and political elites, ministers and senior political leaders from the Northern region in President Bola Tinubu’s administration have stepped up their defense of the government.
According to Punch, several high-profile political appointees including ministers and top officeholders have become increasingly vocal in challenging negative narratives about Tinubu’s leadership. This follows directives from the Presidency urging loyalists to counter opposition voices and prevent dissent from gaining traction.
Minister Bello Matawalle Takes Aim at Opposition Voices
Leading the charge, Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has strongly condemned remarks made by former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who recently criticized the administration. Matawalle dismissed Amaechi’s statements as “reckless and inflammatory,” particularly in light of ongoing government efforts to enhance national security and foster unity.
In addition, Matawalle directed sharp criticism at the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), an influential northern political group that recently expressed regret over its support for Tinubu during the 2023 election. The minister labeled the NEF as a “political liability to the North”, accusing its leaders of pursuing personal interests under the guise of regional advocacy.
El-Rufai vs. Ribadu: Political Feud Intensifies
Political tensions escalated further following a heated exchange between former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu.
El-Rufai accused Ribadu of “serious amnesia” after the NSA reportedly denied past statements in which he allegedly referred to Tinubu as “the most corrupt” politician. The former governor pointed to a 2006 Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, where Ribadu—then Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—was said to have made similar corruption allegations against Tinubu.
Ribadu, however, denied the claim and responded through his legal counsel, demanding a public apology from El-Rufai—further escalating the feud.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar Clashes with Bauchi Governor
Similarly, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar fired back at Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed after the governor accused Tinubu’s administration of failing to fulfill its promises.
Tuggar dismissed Mohammed’s comments as “mischievous”, urging him to stop misleading the public about national affairs. He further pointed out that Bauchi State had received increased federal allocations due to fiscal reforms under Tinubu’s leadership. The minister questioned why such funds had not translated into visible development in the state.
He also accused Governor Mohammed of attempting to dominate Bauchi’s political landscape, alleging that similar tactics during his tenure as FCT Minister had previously led to political instability.
Presidency Directs Ministers to Counter Opposition in the North
Sources within the Presidency have confirmed that northern ministers and senior political figures have been instructed to actively counter criticisms from opposition politicians—especially those from the North.
A close associate of a senior minister revealed to Punch that the government has adopted a proactive communication strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Yes, we need to silence these naysayers who are pushing anti-Tinubu campaigns in the North. Have you noticed that recently, many ministers in Tinubu’s cabinet have been countering these so-called elites? They are in the minority, and the Presidency is not afraid of them. Ministers, governors, and top political appointees have been given clear orders to challenge opposition figures and set the record straight.”
Another high-ranking source within the Presidential Villa disclosed that beyond securing a second term for Tinubu, there is a growing power struggle between two key northern sub-regions—the North-West and the North-East—over who will succeed Tinubu in 2031.
“The issue goes beyond the 2027 election. Many northern politicians in this administration understand the long-term consequences of not backing Tinubu for a second term. The North-West and North-East are sharply divided on who should take over after Tinubu. Some key figures from the North-West, including ex-Senator Wammako and former Governor El-Rufai, are determined to block Tinubu’s second term, while North-East leaders, such as Vice President Kashim Shettima and key ministers like Health Minister Professor Ali Pate and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, support a power shift to their region.”
Tinubu’s Strategy: Strengthening Alliances and Rewarding Loyalty
To counter opposition movements in the North-West, President Tinubu has taken strategic steps to reward loyalists with key appointments and projects.
Notable supporters, such as Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari, and Minister Bello Matawalle, have been mobilized to challenge anti-Tinubu narratives.
“Tinubu has strengthened his allies by offering them key roles and projects. For instance, he allocated a university to Kaduna South and appointed Masari as Chairman of TETFund. During his 2023 campaign, he was the only presidential candidate who visited Birnin Gwari despite the security risks, and he made significant promises to the people there.”
Additionally, the Presidency is reportedly working to undermine Governor Bala Mohammed’s influence in Bauchi State, particularly due to his falling out with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, who had previously supported his election.
“Bala Mohammed is a weakened force. The APC has already lined up two strong contenders for the Bauchi governorship race in 2027—Ali Pate and Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar. Both are well-positioned to challenge him.”
Minister of Environment: Northern Critics Are Blackmailers
Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal also weighed in on the political tension, describing critics of Tinubu as “blackmailers”.
In an interview with Punch, Lawal—speaking through his personal assistant Yusuf Garba—insisted that Tinubu had given the North a fair share of appointments and projects.
“Most of these so-called northern elites speaking against President Tinubu are self-serving and do not represent the true interests of the North. The President has demonstrated his commitment to the region by appointing competent individuals to key positions. The North has no better alternative than to support his re-election bid in 2027.”
Conclusion: A Power Struggle Within the North
The political dynamics in Northern Nigeria are increasingly shaping up as a battle for dominance within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). While some factions aim to block Tinubu’s second term bid, others are positioning themselves for post-2027 power struggles.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, political maneuvering, regional alignments, and strategic appointments will play a decisive role in determining Tinubu’s fate and the North’s political direction in the coming years.
