Why Trump Is Targeting Tinubu — Afenifere

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has claimed that US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to invade Nigeria under the pretext of fighting terrorism is a veiled attempt to pressure President Bola Tinubu and gain economic advantage.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jare Ajayi, Afenifere dismissed Trump’s allegation that the Nigerian government is complicit in the killing of Christians as false and mischievous, describing it as “an attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to kill it.” The group argued that the move was politically motivated and aimed at undermining Nigeria’s growing independence on the global stage.

Ajayi stated that economic interests were at the heart of Trump’s threat, noting that Nigeria’s strengthening ties with China may have unsettled Washington. “By sounding so harsh, Mr. Trump hopes to push President Tinubu into negotiating terms that will open more doors for American trade and weapon sales,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Nigeria is capable of managing its internal security challenges and pointed out that Tinubu’s recent security reforms demonstrate the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity. Ajayi also dismissed claims of genocide against Christians, asserting that terrorists target communities for access to mineral-rich territories rather than for religious reasons.

Urging Nigerians to avoid comments that could justify foreign aggression, Ajayi warned that war rhetoric could inflame tensions. “Threatening Nigeria with military action will not help; it will only worsen an already delicate situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for calm and unity in the face of external threats. Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration drive at Lagos House, Marina, the governor stressed the need to protect key national investments like the Dangote Refinery.

He commended President Tinubu’s leadership and urged citizens to rally behind the administration. “Our President is taking the right decisions. People who don’t understand will criticise him, but we must stand proud and defend our government. God will continue to be with us,” Sanwo-Olu said.