The Nigerian Presidency has flatly condemned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for comments it sees as endorsement of “foreign invasion” of Nigeria.
This followed Obi’s reaction to American President Donald Trump’s offer to deploy U.S. military forces against terrorists in Nigeria.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, declared: “We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria.”
Onanuga did not directly addressing Mr Obi but was hiding behind a post from he shared to make his comment.
Obi Defends His Position on Security and Poverty
The presidential reaction came following Obi’s criticism of the Nigerian government downplaying alleged “Christian genocide” and worsening insecurity.
At an event, Obi said: “It is not genocide, it is not this, but me, we are not safe, come and help. Somebody offered you something you have been looking for, and you are saying no.”
He compared the situation to hunger: “Somebody finds out that Peter Obi and his family have not eaten in the morning or one of the afternoon and the person is offering food and you are saying no, collect the food first and then you will know how you can ration it.”
Obi outlined his priorities if declared president: “Number one priority is the security of life and property. Number two priority is to put people out of poverty, because the more you put people out of poverty, the more you reduce criminality. Number three is to invest in Education. It is critical for basic education. There are millions of people out of school today.”
He warned: “A child that is five years old or 10 years old today that you did not educate will become a terrorist and a problem to you in 20 years’ time. Invest in him now that you have the opportunity.”
Obi also stressed the importance of healthcare and condemned corruption: “Invest in health. All these people moving around stealing public funds, they don’t need it. They are only bringing headaches to your life.”
Trump’s Threat Sparks International Row
The controversy comes amid Trump’s declaration that Nigeria has been redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged killings of Christians.
On October 31, 2025, Trump warned that Nigeria must “move fast” to end insecurity or risk losing all American aid and assistance.
Trump further threatened to deploy the U.S. Department of War to “fight the terrorists that attack our cherished Christians.”
The Nigerian Presidency has suggested the two presidents will meet soon to discuss the allegations of Christian genocide and the implications of the U.S. decision.
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