Critics Urged to Stop Attacking Defence Minister Badaru Over Opposition Engagements

• The G7 Progressive Youths defended Minister Badaru Abubakar against allegations of undermining the APC, emphasizing the need for cross-party collaboration
• They praised Badaru’s efforts to strengthen the APC by engaging opposition figures, highlighting that security challenges require collective contributions from all Nigerians

A political support group, G7 Progressive Youths, has defended Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar against allegations of aligning with opposition party stakeholders in the North.

The APC Solidarity Vanguard, led by its chairman Alhaji Salisu Yakubu, accused Badaru of undermining the All Progressives Congress (APC) through his frequent engagements with opposition figures in Jigawa State. They argued this behaviour made him unfit for his ministerial role.

However, the G7 Progressive Youths countered these claims, emphasizing that collaboration across party lines is crucial to tackling Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.

In a statement on Sunday, the group’s Secretary-General, Agbabiaka ‘Kunle Ahmed, commended Badaru for fostering inclusivity and cooperation in his ministry. Ahmed noted that security issues demand collective efforts, regardless of political affiliation.

“Combating insecurity cannot be achieved without contributions from all Nigerians, no matter their party allegiance,” Ahmed stated.

He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, indicating his appointment of capable individuals from opposition parties to key positions.

Ahmed referenced figures such as Daniel Bwala, Doyin Okupe, and Reno Omokri, who have actively supported Tinubu’s administration despite their backgrounds in opposition.

Ahmed also mentioned the appointments of Mrs. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu from APGA and Nyesom Wike, the PDP-affiliated FCT Minister, as evidence of Tinubu’s drive for national unity.

He further defended Badaru’s engagement with opposition stakeholders, noting that the minister’s outreach efforts had strengthened the APC by attracting three sitting opposition governors and several stakeholders, contributing to Tinubu’s electoral victory.

“Isn’t it commendable that the honourable minister involves everyone in solving the nation’s security issues?” Ahmed asked.

He criticized Badaru’s detractors for demanding political exclusivity in governance despite his claim to prioritize national progress after the elections. According to Ahmed, such criticisms overlook the minister’s efforts to unify diverse voices in addressing the country’s security challenges.