The All Progressives Congress (APC) Northwest Alliance for Good Governance (APC-NWAGG) has called out what it describes as a baseless and slanderous campaign aimed at discrediting the Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. The group condemned recent allegations circulated by a faceless organization, which they claim seeks to tarnish the minister’s reputation and diminish the strides made in improving security across the North.
In a statement signed by Comrade Auwal Shuaibu Gumel, the group’s secretary and spokesperson, APC-NWAGG denounced the “obnoxious and malignant report” which it claimed was propagated by an anonymous group known as the APC Solidarity Vanguard. Gumel expressed concern over the accusations, which suggest that the minister has engaged in anti-party activities and attempted to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“The Honourable Minister has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the APC and its principles,” Gumel stated. “In the lead-up to the last presidential elections, he mobilized support for APC across various parties and regions, particularly among northern residents in the Southwest, ensuring their endorsement for President Tinubu. Any claims suggesting otherwise are simply fictitious.”
The group further urged the people of the North to rally around Minister Badaru and to offer prayers for him and his fellow defence leaders, emphasizing the significant improvements in regional security. Gumel highlighted that ongoing efforts under the Tinubu administration, with Badaru at the helm of the Ministry of Defence, have successfully reduced the activities of armed groups along critical routes like the Kaduna-Abuja road, significantly enhancing the safety of residents.
Ambassador Abdullahi Dalhatu, the APC-NWAGG coordinator, expressed dismay over additional allegations implying that Northern leaders might betray President Tinubu in the future. Dalhatu dismissed these claims as “the mere product of detractors’ imaginations.” He emphasized that Minister Badaru’s tenure as governor of Jigawa and his current role in the administration reflect a deep commitment to Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The APC in Jigawa State also condemned the reports, noting that it has observed a pattern of malicious content aimed at creating discord within the party. According to Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, Chairman of the APC in Jigawa, the party is determined to maintain unity and has warned against any attempts to destabilize the government, whether through fake news or other divisive tactics.
In light of these developments, APC-NWAGG encouraged the public to disregard the report and focus on the progress made by the Ministry of Defence. Comrade Gumel pointed to the consistent gains in the fight against banditry and terrorism across the North, asserting that Minister Badaru’s legacy is rooted in good governance and tangible results for the safety of Nigerians.
“The people of the North should take inspiration from other regions that continue to support their leaders. This is not a time for divisiveness, but for unity and encouragement,” Gumel concluded.
The APC Northwest Alliance for Good Governance affirmed its commitment to supporting Minister Badaru Abubakar and President Tinubu’s administration in delivering on their promises to secure the nation and provide a foundation of peace and stability for all Nigerians.