The Bola Tinubu administration has applauded former Kano State governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, for openly criticising former United States President Donald Trump over his controversial remarks threatening possible U.S. military intervention in Nigeria.
Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, in a statement on Sunday, described Kwankwaso’s position as “deeply patriotic,” urging other opposition leaders to emulate the gesture by putting national interest above political differences.
“Thank you Senator Kwankwaso for your patriotism. This is a time for all political leaders, across party lines, to unite behind our country and speak out as patriots,” Onanuga said.
Kwankwaso, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), had earlier issued a strongly worded statement condemning Trump’s recent comments in which he threatened U.S. action against Nigeria and re-designated the country as a “country of particular concern” over alleged “genocide against Christians.”
The former governor cautioned that such rhetoric from Trump could inflame religious tensions and worsen insecurity across Nigeria.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern’. It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” Kwankwaso stated via his official X handle.
He further urged the U.S. to support Nigeria through technological and intelligence assistance rather than threats of intervention, while calling on the Tinubu administration to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington.
“The United States should assist Nigeria with technology and intelligence support rather than threats. The Federal Government should also deepen diplomatic engagement by appointing special envoys and filling ambassadorial vacancies,” he advised.
Kwankwaso ended his statement with a call for national unity, saying, “To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity over division. God bless Nigeria.”
The Tinubu administration’s commendation of Kwankwaso marks a rare instance of bipartisan solidarity in Nigeria’s political space, coming amid renewed tensions over international criticism of the country’s human rights and security record.
