Kwankwaso reacts to Trump’s threat, urges Tinubu to appoint special envoys

Former presidential candidate of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu  Kwankwaso, has weighed in on the escalating diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States following President Donald Trump’s renewed threat against the country over alleged genocide.

The controversy began after Nigeria voiced support for a two-state solution to the Middle East conflict and condemned the killings in Gaza. In response, some international groups have launched a campaign accusing Nigeria of genocide.

The situation intensified on Friday when President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern — a status his administration first conferred on the nation in 2020.

Reacting to the development, President Bola Tinubu maintained that religious persecution has no place in Nigeria, stressing that the Constitution guarantees the protection of every citizen regardless of faith.

However, Trump appeared unconvinced, accusing the Nigerian government of ignoring what he described as “the killing of Christians.” He also reportedly ordered the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible military action against Nigeria and threatened to suspend aid.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Kwankwaso cautioned against external interference and called on the U.S. to adopt a more constructive approach.

“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,’” he said.

“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. The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American government. Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where we should emphasise unity of belonging over division. God bless Nigeria.”