Efforts by Senator Kabiru Marafa and Governor Dauda Lawal to secure the removal of Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, are reportedly faltering as the Presidency remains unmoved.
Sources reveal that repeated entreaties to dislodge Matawalle have been rebuffed, largely because the President regards him as a dedicated and loyal operative whose work speaks for itself. “Every time they try to push the issue, they hit a brick wall,” a political insider said.
“The President is not listening because Matawalle has consistently shown loyalty, and he is not afraid to speak up publicly for his record. This has left Marafa and Lawal visibly frustrated.”
Insiders also confirm that Governor Lawal has been vigorously pursuing progressive governors to speak for him in the ears of President Tinubu. “He is trying to build support and create a narrative that could sway the Presidency,” one source said. “But the President has remained steadfast and uninterested in the political pressure.”
Observers suggest the stalemate highlights the challenges of internal factional battles in APC, particularly when loyalty and visibility intersect. The Ministry, sources say, continues its duties with Matawalle defending his record, while those seeking to challenge him must now reassess their strategy in the face of firm presidential backing.
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Analysts point out that the resistance from the Presidency signals a message to other ambitious politicians: loyalty and accountability remain non-negotiable, and attempts to leverage factional pressure against established leaders are unlikely to succeed without broad consensus.
