Former aide to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has cautioned Nigerians against internal division, after U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, over alleged persecution of Christians.
In a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Baba-Ahmer said the development marks a troubling move by Trump who appears to have been misled by distorted narratives about religious killings in Nigeria.
The former Secretary-General of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) noted that the designation of the country tied to claims of genocide against Christians, ignores the complex reality of insecurity in the country, which he claimed affects those practicing both Muslims and Christians.
“If these reports are true, then we can only say Bismillah, because it means foreign interests are being stirred up against us,”he wrote.
“The truth is that those killing Nigerians do not distinguish between Muslims and Christians. Ethnic and communal conflicts in Nigeria have claimed the lives of both.”
He accused Trump and his allies of harboring ulterior motives, suggesting that the United States has long been uncomfortable with the rise of strong, populous, and resource-rich African nations like Nigeria, Sudan, Libya, and South Africa.
“America and its partners have never felt at ease with African countries that have large populations and resources,” he said. “They see nations like Nigeria as potential threats because we refuse to submit to foreign control.”
Baba-Ahmed also linked the alleged move to Nigeria’s position on international issues, including its criticism of Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza and its demand for a permanent seat for Africa at the United Nations Security Council.
“Our only crime is that we spoke the truth — that what Israel is doing to Palestinians in Gaza is worse than what Nazi Germany did to the Jews during World War II. We also asked that Africa and the black world be given a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.”
He accused some local actors of exploiting religious tensions for political gain and alleged that Trump’s reported position enjoys the support of “those who never want Muslims and Christians in Nigeria to live in peace.
“The Nigerian government has done its best to dismiss these falsehoods,” he noted, “but the United States insists it must ‘save’ Nigerian Christians at all costs, while turning a blind eye to the killings of Muslims.”
Baba-Ahmed warned that any sanctions or hostile actions by the U.S. would only worsen the suffering of ordinary Nigerians, irrespective of religion.
“America will not fight a war for Nigerian Christians,” he cautioned. “It will only deepen the hardship of both Muslims and Christians alike.”
He called on religious leaders to rise above division and educate their followers on the dangers of external manipulation, urging the government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens.
He called on religious leaders to rise above division and educate their followers on the dangers of external manipulation, urging the government to intensify efforts to protect all citizens.
“We must not fight each other and destroy our own lives,” he said. “Our Christian and Muslim leaders must unite to enlighten their followers about this grave threat. The government, too, must strengthen security for all Nigerians.”
He concluded with a call for national prayer and unity in the face of external pressure.
“Let us continue to pray,” Baba-Ahmed wrote. “May Allah protect us from the evil and plots of our enemies.”
