- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu named Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, to a key security role in the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council
- The ministry of defence reacted to the appointment, explaining that it reflected Tinubu’s recognition of Matawalle’s background in security management and political mobilisation
- Matawalle accepted the appointment, pledging loyalty and citing his earlier role as north-west zonal coordinator during the 2023 campaign
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over nine years of experience covering politics, elections, public affairs, and governance in Nigeria and Africa.
FCT, Abuja – President Bola Tinubu on Saturday, August 22, appointed Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence, as Deputy Director, Security and Intelligence I, of the 2027 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council.
As reported by The Punch, the ministry of defence welcomed the appointment in an official statement issued on Sunday, August 23, by chief information officer Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, on behalf of the director of information and public relations. The ministry stated that President Tinubu’s decision reflected his confidence in Matawalle’s track record in public service, security management and political mobilisation.
Source: Twitter
Matawalle’s responsibilities in the campaign council
According to the ministry, Matawalle will oversee the security architecture for all campaign activities, with responsibility for the safety of candidates, campaign officials and supporters across Nigeria. He will also work with security agencies to carry out threat analysis and risk mitigation for campaign operations in all states.
In addition, he will coordinate inter-agency and stakeholder engagement, which includes liaising with traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth and women’s groups to strengthen support for the campaign’s security framework.
Matawalle reacts to appointment, speaks on past role
On his verified X (formerly Twitter) page the same Sunday, August 23, Matawalle acknowledged the appointment and pledged his full commitment to the assignment.
The former Zamfara state governor wrote:
“I accept this responsibility with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of duty. I am truly honoured to be called upon to serve once again in an assignment of such national importance, and I fully recognise that this appointment is not merely an honour, but a call to greater service, responsibility and sacrifice.”
Matawalle recalled his role as zonal coordinator for the north-west during the 2023 APC Presidential Campaign Council, describing it as “one of the most important chapters” of his political career. He said the experience had prepared him for the demands of his new role.
He also referenced the Tinubu Again Movement, a nationwide initiative he said he founded after the 2023 election to promote the Renewed Hope administration’s policies and programmes.
Matawalle pledged to work closely with the director-general and all members of the Campaign Council, adding that his focus would remain on securing victory for Tinubu and the APC in 2027.
He stated:
“I am ready for the task. I accept the appointment fully and will redouble my efforts to ensure that the confidence reposed in me is justified by results.”
Read Matawalle’s full post on X below:
Read more on Tinubu’s presidency
Tinubu gives Abiodun new appointment
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that President Tinubu constituted the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 elections, with Ogun Governor Dapo Abiodun assigned to lead fundraising efforts for the campaign.
The full membership list was released in a statement signed by the presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.
Reacting to Abiodun’s appointment, Ogun politician Segun Showunmi praised the decision.
Source: Legit.ng