Opposition Labour Party Slams Tinubu Over Religious Killings As Trump Warns Of Military Action Against Nigeria

 

The Labour Party has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of hypocrisy and insensitivity toward the persistent killings of Christians in Nigeria. The party’s interim National Publicity Secretary, Tony Akeni, made the remarks during an interview with Punch, sharply criticizing Tinubu’s response to international concern raised by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump, in a controversial statement posted on his Truth Social platform, declared that Nigeria had been placed on the United States’ list of “Countries of Particular Concern.” He further directed the Department of War to “prepare for possible action” should the reported killings of Christians persist. The move has sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles and stirred intense debate within Nigeria’s political space.

Akeni did not hold back in his assessment of the Nigerian leader’s reaction. He described Tinubu’s stance as “wicked, godless, and unpatriotic,” arguing that the president’s response downplayed the gravity of the violence that has plagued Christian communities across several northern states. According to Akeni, Tinubu’s current silence and defensiveness contrast sharply with his fiery criticism of former President Goodluck Jonathan during the height of Boko Haram’s insurgency.

“Eleven years ago, before Bola Tinubu manipulated the political process to secure the presidency, he never hesitated to attack Jonathan for the same issue,” Akeni stated. “In 2014, Tinubu publicly condemned the killings of Christian worshippers and questioned the competence of Jonathan’s administration. Back then, about 11,000 Christians had lost their lives to Boko Haram within four years, and between 2010 and 2015, another 6,500 perished. Yet under Tinubu’s leadership, over 14,000 have been killed in just two years. That is nearly double the rate we saw during the PDP era.”

The Labour Party spokesperson went further to commend Donald Trump for what he called “bold leadership and moral courage” in confronting the Nigerian government on the issue of religious persecution. He argued that Trump’s intervention represents a global recognition of Nigeria’s deteriorating human rights situation, particularly concerning freedom of worship.

Akeni also appealed to the U.S. government to consider the plight of liberal Muslim communities who, despite facing threats from extremists, have stood in solidarity with Christians and other minority groups. He emphasized that true national unity can only be achieved through justice and accountability, not political rhetoric or selective outrage.

“They have demonstrated that Nigeria’s diversity can be a source of strength rather than division,” Akeni noted. “What we need are leaders who protect citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity, not those who exploit religion for political gain.”

President Tinubu, however, swiftly responded through an official post on X, formerly Twitter, rejecting Trump’s claims and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious tolerance. The president insisted that his administration upholds the constitutional right of every Nigerian to freely practice their faith without fear or intimidation. He accused foreign commentators of misrepresenting Nigeria’s internal security challenges for political purposes.

Despite Tinubu’s assurances, reactions have been mixed across the country. Some political analysts argue that Trump’s statement could strain U.S.–Nigeria relations, particularly if the former president’s remarks influence official foreign policy under future administrations. Others view the Labour Party’s criticism as part of a broader strategy to discredit Tinubu’s government ahead of future elections.

Civil society organizations have also entered the debate, urging both the Nigerian government and international partners to focus on solutions rather than accusations. Human rights groups have consistently documented attacks on Christian farmers, clergy, and worshippers, often linked to extremist groups and armed herdsmen. Many communities in Plateau, Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba states remain under threat, with thousands displaced and entire villages destroyed.

Political observers note that Tinubu’s challenge lies in demonstrating genuine leadership by addressing security concerns without bias. His administration has pledged to reform the security architecture, but critics argue that promises have yet to translate into tangible results. Meanwhile, the growing international scrutiny may increase pressure on Nigeria to show progress in protecting vulnerable populations.

For the Labour Party, the situation offers a moral test of governance and compassion. Akeni concluded his remarks by stressing that national unity cannot exist in an environment where citizens live in fear because of their religion. “Nigeria’s greatness will never come from denial,” he said. “It will come from truth, justice, and the courage to protect every citizen.”

As tensions mount between the presidency, opposition figures, and international observers, the controversy over religious violence once again exposes the fragile fabric of Nigeria’s security and unity. Whether President Tinubu can restore confidence both at home and abroad remains to be seen, but for now, the accusations from the Labour Party and the warning from Donald Trump have placed Nigeria under an unflattering global spotlight.