BREAKING: Tinubu Fires Back At Trump, Rejects Nigeria’s Designation As ‘Country Of Particular Concern’

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has fiercely rejected the decision of former United States President Donald Trump to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution, describing the move as unfounded, unfair, and a gross distortion of Nigeria’s realities.

Trump, speaking on Friday, reignited global debate after accusing Nigeria of enabling systemic attacks on Christians, citing what he called “religious genocide” in parts of the country.

But in a strongly worded statement issued from Abuja on Saturday, President Tinubu faulted the classification, insisting that Nigeria remains a vibrant democracy anchored on constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, tolerance, and coexistence.

“Nigeria Is A Democracy Of Religious Freedom” — Tinubu

> “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the statement read.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, not a source of division, stressing that successive governments — including his — have upheld religious rights as enshrined in the Constitution.

“Trump’s Label Does Not Reflect Nigeria’s Reality”

Rejecting Trump’s claims, Tinubu stated that such blanket accusations ignore the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian government to combat insecurity and promote peace among communities of all faiths.

> “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” Tinubu added.

He described Nigeria as a nation where churches and mosques stand side by side, and where citizens are free to worship without fear or favour, despite challenges posed by extremism and criminality.

The President reaffirmed that religious tolerance remains a core tenet of Nigeria’s identity and will continue to guide national policies and dialogue.

> “Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” Tinubu said.

He urged the international community, including the United States, to engage more deeply with Nigeria’s realities rather than rely on what he described as “isolated incidents sensationalised by external interests.”

Nigeria Seeks Constructive Engagement With Washington

Reiterating Nigeria’s willingness to strengthen bilateral ties, Tinubu said his administration remains committed to working with the United States and global partners to foster mutual understanding on human rights and the protection of faith-based communities.

> “Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths,” the statement concluded.

Reacting to Trump’s comments, Dr. Musa Usman, a lecturer in international relations at the University of Abuja, said the move by Trump was “politically charged and not reflective of Nigeria’s current socio-religious landscape.”

> “President Tinubu’s response is necessary and timely,” Usman noted. “Nigeria faces security challenges, yes, but those are not religiously motivated in the simplistic way Western narratives often portray them.”

Similarly, Reverend Samuel Yakubu, a prominent Christian leader in Plateau State, described Trump’s comments as “deeply unhelpful.”

> “We need global partners to support peacebuilding in Nigeria, not inflame divisions through inaccurate labels,” he said.

With this bold response, analysts say the Tinubu administration has drawn a clear line between perception and policy — asserting Nigeria’s sovereignty while reaffirming its commitment to democracy, unity, and faith freedom.

For now, the world watches closely as Abuja and Washington navigate yet another delicate test in their long-standing diplomatic relationship.