Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has called northern politicians who are plotting against President Tinubu for the 2027 elections “unpatriotic”.

Former Zamfara State governor, Matawalle, accused these politicians of having no grassroots support and an “entitlement mentality,” stating that those with strong local support back Tinubu.

Matawalle’s remarks followed comments from Salihu Lukman, an ex-APC vice chairman, who criticized northern politicians in Tinubu’s administration as sycophants. Lukman recently left the ruling party.

Through spokesman Henshaw Ogubike, Matawalle expressed confidence that the plot would fail, emphasizing the benefits the region has gained under Tinubu. He called on northern leaders to support Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda for economic and political progress.

Matawalle highlighted key appointments of northerners in Tinubu’s administration, including his own and several ministerial roles.

He listed northerners in major security and administrative positions, such as the National Security Adviser and heads of DSS and NIA, as beneficiaries of Tinubu’s leadership