Massive Crowd Welcomes Defense Minister Bello Matawalle to Gusau, Declares Support for Tinubu’s 2027 Bid

By Ladan Nasidi, Kano

More than three million residents of Zamfara State, cutting across political affiliations, thronged the streets of Gusau on Wednesday to welcome the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle Maradun, in a show of solidarity that also doubled as an endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Matawalle, who arrived the state capital as part of his ongoing “thank-you tour,” was greeted by an overwhelming crowd chanting praises and expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, describing him as “the man of the moment.”

According to sources, the visit was aimed at appreciating the people of Zamfara for their continuous support to the Tinubu administration. It also featured a political engagement designed to highlight government initiatives, particularly efforts to combat insecurity an area in which the state is beginning to witness gradual improvement.

Speaking during the event, Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, a strong supporter of President Tinubu, ally of Matawalle, and Director of Finance at the Hadejia-Jama’are River Basin Development Authority, praised the minister’s dedication to his people.

Kwankwaso noted that Matawalle’s consistent connection with the grassroots both during his tenure as governor and after leaving office has strengthened the people’s trust in the current administration.

“Bello Matawalle has never abandoned his people. He stands with them in both pain and joy,” Kwankwaso said.

“His commitment has endeared Zamfara citizens to President Tinubu, and many are already prepared to return him to office in 2027.”

He added that the massive turnout exceeding three million people was spontaneous and a testament to Matawalle’s influence and grassroots appeal.

Kwankwaso urged political appointees from the northern region to emulate Matawalle by engaging in community outreach and sensitizing citizens about the achievements of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Go to the grassroots and make your people understand the government’s tremendous efforts. The Renewed Hope Agenda has significantly changed Nigeria’s narrative,” he said.

He further commended Matawalle for consistently projecting the achievements of the Tinubu administration, expressing optimism that northerners will overwhelmingly reelect President Tinubu in 2027.

“By God’s grace, Zamfara will also return to Bello Matawalle under the APC, because PDP governance has failed the people,” Kwankwaso concluded