Atiku Movement Rejects Matawalle’s Claim: “Northerners Are Not Political Slaves to Tinubu”

  

Abuja, Nigeria — The Atiku Movement, TAM, has fired back at Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle over comments that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will “effortlessly sweep” voter turnout in Northern Nigeria in the next elections. 

In a statement issued Thursday from its Abuja headquarters, TAM described Matawalle’s remarks as “a delusional insult to the intelligence, dignity, and independence of the Northern electorate.” The group insisted that Northern voters are independent thinkers with a long history of political consciousness, not “political slaves” tied to the APC-led administration.

“Out of Touch with Reality,” Says TAM

The Atiku Movement accused the minister and other administration appointees of being disconnected from the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians. TAM argued that instead of addressing severe inflation, food insecurity, and persistent insecurity, officials are engaging in premature political boasting.

“It is both tragic and ironic that Bello Matawalle is boasting about political sweeps while the very region he represents is enduring unprecedented economic hardship,” the statement read. “To suggest that the North will blindly deliver its mandate to an administration that has offered little to no tangible development to our people is the height of political delusion.”

TAM Challenges Tinubu Administration on “Scorecard of Neglect”  

The movement challenged Matawalle to present an objective scorecard of the Tinubu administration’s achievements for the North. TAM listed three key areas of concern:

1. Economic Stagnation: Skyrocketing energy prices and inflation have crippled local businesses and farmers across Northern states.  

2. Persistent Insecurity: Despite heavy security spending and high-ranking defense appointments, communities in the Northwest and Northeast continue to suffer banditry, kidnappings, and displacement.  

3. Lack of Tangible Development: Major infrastructural, educational, and agricultural projects critical to the North have been sidelined or poorly executed, TAM said.

“The North Will Vote Wisely”

TAM reminded Matawalle and the ruling APC that Northern voters cannot be swayed by patronizing political appointments given to a few elites. According to the group, the region’s electorate will base decisions on measurable performance, security, economic stability, and leadership that shows respect.

“The North remains entirely open, politically independent, and deeply committed to supporting leadership that prioritizes the welfare of all Nigerians,” the statement added.

The Atiku Movement concluded by reaffirming its support for citizens demanding accountability over political rhetoric.

The statement was signed by the Atiku Movement Media Office.