Avoid rushing into alliance with China, Iran against U.S. – Ex-Senator cautions Tinubu

A former senator and prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adamu Garba, has urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tread carefully in its diplomatic row with the United States, warning against forming hasty alliances with China and Iran.

Garba criticised what he described as the government’s “fire brigade approach,” cautioning that such tactics would not lead the country anywhere.

“In addition to China, I see Iran also backing Nigeria on our issue with the U.S. I wonder if we are truly ready for the consequences of our actions?,” Garba said in a statement issued on Thursday.

“If we continue this fire brigade approach, it won’t take us to nowhere,” he added.

While acknowledging his previous support for both China and Iran, the APC chieftain emphasised that Nigeria’s national interest must remain the priority.

“Even though I supported China and Iran on multiple fronts, the records are there, especially when they are on the side of the truth, but this is our country and we should be mindful of rapid cosmetic diplomatic relationships,” he cautioned.

Garba expressed concern that Nigeria could become a pawn in the global power struggle if it becomes too closely aligned with major world powers.

“Do you know that while you keep cheering the new actors supporting Nigeria against the U.S, we are basically helping them to create a frontline in Nigeria as a battleground for the superpower games?” he asked.

According to him, global powers often avoid fighting wars on their own soil, choosing instead to project conflicts into other regions.

“These countries will do everything possible to avoid direct wars in their countries, but they are salivating on creating a frontline battleground in another country to demonstrate their might, capabilities and strength but at the expense of the host country,” he explained.

Drawing lessons from recent global conflicts, Garba warned that Nigeria could face similar turmoil if it fails to manage its foreign policy prudently.

“Check Ukraine and Syria, Sudan and Libya, also Congo,” he added.

He appealed to the government to ease tensions with Washington and seek diplomatic engagement to avoid potential fallout.

“Our best and only option is still to find a way to prevent the damaging U.S. planned hard actions on Nigeria. Otherwise none of these nations will ever come for us when we find ourselves in trouble,” he said.

“In the international system. Everyone is for himself. Your grand chessboard is your only way out and you don’t play chess while under pressure or by applying cosmetics,” Garba concluded.

Earlier in the week, China had publicly declared its unwavering support for Nigeria, affirming its confidence in the country’s leadership and development path.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference that, “As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force.”

Ning made the comments in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s warning of possible military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

The European Union (EU) also reaffirmed its support for Nigeria, expressing respect for the country’s sovereignty and commitment to cooperation in peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, and human rights.

EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the bloc’s stance was rooted in “long-standing partnership and shared values,” not external influence.

“Our position is one of solidarity with Nigeria. Solidarity with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who overwhelmingly desire peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides.

“We respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional commitment to religious neutrality,” he said.