Defence Minister Bello Matawalle dismissed recent attacks against him as "coordinated, malicious, and politically sponsored," driven by rivals fearing his role in national security reforms ahead of 2027 elections. In a statement via aide Ibrahim Dosara, Matawalle rejected "baseless allegations" linking him to banditry or unrelated events, insisting they weaponize security for propaganda while his loyalty to President Tinubu remains unshaken. He highlighted inheriting entrenched Zamfara banditry, implementing security committees, sacking compromised rulers, rescuing thousands, and deporting illegal miners during his governorship.
Matawalle accused detractors of funding N500m smear operations via influencers and media, citing Ahmad Ali's confession of Governor Dauda Lawal's sponsorship to tarnish his reputation. "Repentant Blackmailers" echoed this, apologizing after exposing the plot. Northern groups like Concern Northern Forum and NAN alerted Tinubu to the campaigns targeting Matawalle's anti-banditry record.
The feud escalates Zamfara's PDP-APC tensions, with Danmalikin blaming Lawal's administration. Matawalle recommitted to reforms, urging focus on threats over politics.