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ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, MON, as Deputy Director, Security and Intelligence 1 of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 Presidential Campaign Council.

The appointment is contained in the newly constituted campaign council approved by President Tinubu to coordinate the APC’s political activities and engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Matawalle’s new assignment places him in a strategic position within the campaign council, with responsibilities covering security coordination, intelligence gathering and risk assessment for campaign activities across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday and signed by Queeneth Iheoma-Hart, Chief Information Officer, for the Director of Information and Public Relations, the former Zamfara State governor is expected to work closely with security agencies to identify potential threats and develop measures to safeguard candidates, campaign officials and supporters.

He will also be responsible for strengthening coordination among security agencies and other stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and women’s groups, as part of efforts to ensure a secure campaign environment.

The ministry said the appointment reflected President Tinubu’s confidence in Matawalle’s experience in public administration, security management and political mobilisation.

Matawalle, who served as governor of Zamfara State, previously handled complex security challenges in the state and was involved in community-based peace initiatives.

As Minister of State for Defence, he has also participated in the implementation of the Federal Government’s security policies, strategic engagements with security agencies and initiatives relating to the welfare of military personnel and defence infrastructure.

The statement described his extensive grassroots network and experience in both executive governance and national security as key attributes that informed his appointment to the sensitive campaign portfolio.

Reacting to the development, Matawalle expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the APC leadership for the confidence reposed in him.

He pledged to deploy his experience as a former governor, serving federal minister and political leader towards ensuring what he described as a “peaceful, well-coordinated, and successful campaign.”

Matawalle said he would work to ensure that the achievements of the Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope agenda are effectively communicated and taken to Nigerians across the country.

The appointment has continued to attract congratulatory messages from political associates and supporters, who described the new responsibility as a significant national assignment for the former Zamfara governor.