A professional group within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), known as the PDP Professionals Support Movement, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address what they describe as the “harassment and intimidation” of PDP leaders and supporters in the North, particularly in the North-West, by the Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle.
Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna on Thursday, the group’s chairman, Dr. Muazzam Lawal Sadauki (Yariman Bukkur), criticized Matawalle’s actions, labeling them as “political persecution” and “uncalled for.” The group accused the minister of using his position to target PDP figures who are perceived as threats to President Tinubu’s political ambitions.
In response, Suleiman Shinkafi Shuaibu, an aide to the Minister of State for Defence, strongly denied the allegations. In an exclusive interview with news men, Shuaibu dismissed the claims as “false” and described them as an “attempt to ridicule” Matawalle. He insisted that Matawalle’s role as Minister of State for Defence is solely to protect the country and its territorial integrity, and that he has not, and would not, engage in any political harassment.
The PDP Professionals Support Movement claimed that Matawalle’s actions are part of a broader strategy to intimidate opposition leaders and suppress dissent since the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria rallies. They urged President Tinubu to ensure that Matawalle focuses on his official duties and refrains from political harassment.
Sadauki also raised concerns about the alleged targeting of PDP leaders linked to Bashir Hadejia, a supporter of Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, who is currently detained. He argued that these actions violate the rule of law and are intended to implicate opposition figures in dubious activities.
The group concluded by urging President Tinubu to prioritize the rule of law and protect the rights of all citizens, warning against the use of power to silence political opposition.
Meanwhile, Shinkafi reaffirmed that Matawalle remains committed to his duties and would take necessary actions to safeguard the country’s security, but reiterated that he would never misuse his position for political reasons.
