President Bola Tinubu has dismissed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks labeling Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, alleged that “radical Islamists” were behind widespread attacks on Christians across Nigeria and announced the designation, saying the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
Responding via his 𝕏 handle on Saturday, President Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a democracy guided by constitutional protections for freedom of religion and belief.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he stated. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges affecting all citizens, regardless of faith or region.”
Tinubu rejected the portrayal of Nigeria as a country of religious intolerance, emphasizing that it does not reflect the nation’s true character or the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure peace and mutual respect among all faiths.
“Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and will always remain so,” he added. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution in all forms and remains committed to protecting citizens of every faith.”
The president also expressed readiness to work with the United States and other international partners to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation in safeguarding religious rights worldwide.
