Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has advised President Bola Tinubu to remain watchful in the face of what it describes as renewed political manoeuvres by opposition figures following the resignation of former Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar.
In a statement jointly signed by Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Chief Chinenyeze Ohia, the group warned of “a strategic political pattern reminiscent of the 2015 tactics deployed against former President Goodluck Jonathan.”
The organisation alleged that some opposition elements were seeking to exploit security challenges and mount coordinated media pressure to weaken the current administration. It cited recent developments in Kebbi State, claiming that successful military operations led by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle had disrupted criminal networks, prompting renewed hostility from political rivals.
Ohanaeze noted the use of “media propaganda, fabricated narratives, and distortions” aimed at undermining the President’s northern support base and targeting Matawalle due to his role in anti-banditry operations and perceived influence in the region.
The group dismissed circulating claims that the United States had demanded the removal of Badaru and Matawalle as a condition for enhanced military cooperation, describing the allegations as baseless. It reiterated that Badaru’s resignation was due solely to health reasons.
Ohanaeze urged political actors to refrain from drawing Matawalle into “unnecessary political theatrics,” highlighting his continued support for the federal government’s counterterrorism and anti-banditry initiatives in the North.
The organisation praised the partnership between National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and Matawalle in protecting Igbo residents across 19 northern states, and encouraged the President to reinforce this collaboration while urging military service chiefs to consolidate recent security gains.
It called on Nigerians to support the administration’s security reforms, stressing that national unity and collective resolve are essential to overcoming the country’s current challenges.
