 in the North-West under the aegis of the Northern Elders Unity Forum have accused){kind=link}
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the North-West under the aegis of the Northern Elders Unity Forum have accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of orchestrating mass defections from the opposition party through alleged financial inducement and intimidation.
In a statement issued by its National Secretary, Dr. Abbas Sadauki, the Forum condemned what it described as Matawalle’s “desperate antics” to weaken the PDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to Dr. Sadauki, “Matawalle has been using his ministerial position and ill-gotten wealth to lure PDP members – particularly in Zamfara and Kaduna states — into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress.
“Matawalle’s desperate attempt to destroy the PDP in Zamfara and beyond is a direct assault on democracy and the right to political choice,” Sadauki stressed after a meeting with PDP elders from Kaura Namoda, Zurmi, Tsafe, and Bungudu local governments.
The Forum alleged that the minister’s moves formed part of a larger plan to dismantle opposition structures in the North-West and entrench APC’s dominance ahead of the next elections.
“Dismantling opposition groups through financial inducement and coercion is a bad omen for our democracy,” Sadauki warned, insisting that “Many loyal members are being deceived into believing they will find greener pastures in the APC.
“This is dangerous for democratic stability.”
The PDP elders urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to caution the minister, warning that his activities could heighten political tension and erode the spirit of fair competition.
“We urge President Tinubu to call Matawalle to order before he causes irreversible damage to Nigeria’s democratic balance,” the statement added.