Reuben Abati Blames APC For U.S. Military Threat, Urges Tinubu To Seek Counsel From Elder Statesmen

 

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has taken a firm stand against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent military warning issued by former United States President Donald Trump against Nigeria. Abati argued that the growing diplomatic tension with Washington was a direct result of the APC’s mismanagement of both domestic and foreign affairs, asserting that the ruling party must accept responsibility and find a way out of the looming crisis.

Speaking during a live broadcast on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati criticized the reaction of Nigerian officials and political supporters who had attributed Trump’s comments to the United States’ alleged interest in Nigeria’s oil and gas resources. He dismissed such claims as baseless, stressing that the American government had no need to target Nigeria’s natural endowments. According to him, those who peddle the theory of resource exploitation were diverting attention from the real issue, which was the failure of leadership and diplomacy at the federal level.

The former presidential spokesman emphasized that the United States currently sources its energy supplies from various regions and even contributes to Nigeria’s refining efforts through crude oil exports to the Dangote Refinery. He explained that the U.S. is not purchasing Nigeria’s gas from the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Company (NLNG) and therefore has no economic motive to intervene militarily. He described the notion of an impending resource invasion as a “conspiracy theory” that only serves to undermine Nigeria’s image internationally.

Trump’s warning came shortly after the U.S. government classified Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” citing what it described as persistent violence against Christians and the Nigerian government’s inability to safeguard religious minorities. The designation has attracted global attention, sparking widespread debate about Nigeria’s human rights record, internal security challenges, and the country’s fragile interfaith relations.

Tensions deepened over the weekend when Trump issued a direct threat, suggesting that the U.S. might consider military action if Nigeria’s government failed to address reports of religious persecution and violence against Christian communities. The Nigerian government, however, swiftly denied any wrongdoing, insisting that it remains committed to religious freedom and equality for all citizens.

Abati, while acknowledging the sensitivity of the issue, maintained that the crisis did not emerge overnight but was rooted in years of policy failure, political arrogance, and weak foreign relations under the APC’s leadership. He accused the party of creating an environment where Nigeria’s global reputation had deteriorated to the point of attracting such harsh criticism from major world powers.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to rise above partisan pride and seek counsel from elder statesmen and experienced diplomats who have successfully managed Nigeria’s external relations in the past. According to him, the country is facing a delicate moment that requires wisdom, maturity, and steady hands at the helm of foreign policy decision-making.

Abati said, “President Tinubu should not allow himself to be surrounded only by people who think they know everything. There is a need for adults in the room. He must seek advice from people who have handled complex diplomatic matters before. He should reach out to former leaders such as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, General T.Y. Danjuma, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, and General Ibrahim Babangida. These are people with experience and perspective who can help Nigeria navigate this crisis.”

He further expressed concern about the apparent lack of a properly constituted Presidential Council on International Relations, warning that Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery must be strengthened to prevent such diplomatic embarrassments in the future. According to him, if the council has not yet been established, President Tinubu should immediately constitute one and appoint individuals with deep knowledge of international politics, global security, and strategic communication.

The seasoned broadcaster also urged Nigerians to avoid inflammatory rhetoric that could worsen the situation. He advised against framing the U.S. statement as a direct attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty, emphasizing instead that the crisis should be viewed as a call for introspection and reform. He noted that building a credible image abroad starts with maintaining fairness, justice, and good governance at home.

Abati concluded by reiterating that the APC cannot distance itself from the consequences of its long-term governance style. He argued that the ruling party’s inability to strengthen institutions, ensure national unity, and project a coherent foreign policy had contributed to Nigeria’s declining global image. For him, the solution lies not in blaming external actors but in addressing internal contradictions and restoring Nigeria’s credibility on the world stage.

The situation continues to generate reactions from across the political spectrum, with many Nigerians expressing concern about the potential diplomatic fallout. For Abati, however, the message is clear: the APC must take responsibility, act decisively, and bring experienced statesmen back into the fold before the crisis spirals beyond control.