Minister of State for Defence Bello Mohammed Matawalle has urged opposition politicians to avoid actions and statements capable of inciting Nigerians against the government, warning that such conduct does not advance democracy but only heightens tension ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement from his media aide Ahmad Dan Wudil, the minister described as unfortunate a reported decision by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to engage a foreign lobbying firm to circulate old documents relating to President Bola Tinubu, saying such actions neither advance Nigeria’s democracy nor address the country’s pressing challenges. He said opposition leaders should instead channel their energy toward supporting government efforts to tackle insecurity and improve citizens’ welfare, stressing that the presidency remains a national institution deserving of respect regardless of political affiliation.

Matawalle said no foreign government or lobbying firm would determine Nigeria’s democratic choices, and pointed to recent praise from US President Donald Trump for Tinubu’s security cooperation as evidence of growing international confidence in Nigeria’s direction. He dismissed suggestions that misinformation campaigns could unseat the administration, calling those behind such efforts misguided, and urged opposition figures to embrace constructive engagement by offering credible policy alternatives rather than pursuing campaigns that could destabilise the country ahead of the elections.