Trump’s genocide claims a threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty —SDP National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC recognized National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has described the United States President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria as a direct threat to the nation’s sovereignty and image in the international community.

Trump had reportedly claimed that Nigeria was committing “genocide against Christians,” a statement that influenced the U.S. government’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom.

Reacting to the development, Gabam said the claims were unfounded and unfair to a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country like Nigeria, where insecurity affects citizens of all faiths.

According to him, “Nigerians are being killed from both faiths. The country’s security challenges cannot be reduced to a single religious narrative,”m

He noted that the North-East and North-West regions, in particular, have suffered massive violence, with the majority of victims being Muslims. According to him, such facts contradict Trump’s assertions and underscore the need for Nigerians to focus on their shared humanity rather than divisive rhetoric.

Gabam urged the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to swiftly engage in strategic diplomacy and appoint competent, patriotic Nigerians as ambassadors who can defend the country’s reputation abroad.

According to him, “this development calls for urgent and informed international dialogue,” he said. “The Nigerian government must respond with facts, figures, and credible representation to counter these misleading claims.”

The SDP National Chairman emphasized that while Nigeria faces serious security and governance challenges, the solution lies in strengthening domestic institutions and ensuring accountability, not in accepting external threats or intervention.

“Nigeria needs support, not threats or military solutions,” he said. “Our leaders must prioritize service over personal interests and demonstrate commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.”

Gabam recalled that this was not the first time Trump had made disparaging remarks about Nigeria, citing his past comments describing the country as “fantastically corrupt” and imposing visa restrictions on Nigerians. He said such statements should serve as a wake-up call for the Nigerian leadership to rebuild confidence in governance and tackle the root causes of insecurity and corruption.

He stressed that the failures of successive administrations had compounded the nation’s current predicament, and urged the Tinubu government to learn from those mistakes by taking decisive actions to restore peace and stability.

“Our criticisms are not meant to undermine the government but to draw attention to the urgent need for tangible solutions,” Gabam clarified.

He said the government must ensure that security agencies operate with professionalism, respect for human rights, and transparency. He also called for a holistic approach to tackling the causes of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which have ravaged the country for over a decade.

According to him, building trust between the government and citizens, coupled with genuine international partnerships, will help Nigeria overcome its present challenges.

“The international community’s perception of Nigeria is crucial, but our leaders must strike a balance between protecting our image and addressing citizens’ real needs,” Gabam said. “By working together, Nigerians can overcome insecurity and build a more prosperous and united nation.”

He reiterated that Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability ultimately depend on the integrity and competence of its leadership, adding that with genuine commitment and collaboration, the country can rise above its present security and image crises.

According to him, ” Nigeria needs support, not direct threats or military solutions. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time Donald Trump has made unfriendly comments about Nigeria. He previously described the country as “fantasy corrupt” and imposed visa bans on Nigerians. His recent threat should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to prioritize service over personal interests.

He stated the Nigerian government must address the root causes of insecurity and corruption in the country

According to him, ” Citizens’ lives and properties must be protected, the government should engage in diplomatic efforts to improve Nigeria’s image and relations with the international community, this is crucial for the country’s economic and social development.

Gabam pointed out that, ” the US designation highlights the need for Nigeria to strengthen its institutions and security agencies.

” The government must demonstrate its commitment to protecting human rights and promoting national unity. This will help to alleviate concerns about the country’s stability and security.he further stated

He counselled that “Nigerians must come together to address these challenges. The government should prioritize citizens’ welfare and security. This will help to build trust and confidence in the government. International cooperation and support can also play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in Nigeria.

” ltimately, Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability depend on its leaders’ ability to serve the nation. The government must prioritize the welfare and security of its citizens. By working together, Nigerians can overcome these challenges and build a more prosperous and stable future.

He pointed out that, ” it’s essential to acknowledge that Nigerians are being killed from both faiths, and the country’s security challenges cannot be reduced to a single religious group. The administration of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu must act swiftly to address these issues and save Nigeria’s image.

He further explained the North East and North-west regions had witnessed significant violence, with majority of those killed being Muslims.

According to him, “this contradicts Trump’s insinuations and highlights the need for Nigerians to focus on their common humanity rather than divisive rhetoric. The government must prioritize the safety and security of all citizens, regardless of their faith.

He further explained that ” as an opposition, our persistent calls for action are not meant to undermine the government but to emphasize the need for tangible solutions.

According to him, “the failures of previous administrations have contributed to the current state of insecurity, and it’s essential that the current administration learns from these mistakes. The government must take decisive action to address the root causes of violence and insecurity.

He pointed out that ” the international community’s perception of Nigeria is crucial, and the government must take proactive steps to improve the country’s image saying that ” this should not be done at the expense of ignoring the real issues affecting Nigerians.

He insisted that the President Bola Ahmed z administration must strike a balance between addressing the concerns of the international community and prioritizing the needs of its citizens. By doing so, Nigeria can overcome its current challenges and build a more secure and prosperous future for all its citizens.

” Nigeria needs substantial support and partnership to address its insecurity challenges, rather than direct threats, to effectively tackle the complex issues of terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping that have plagued the country for years. This approach would enable the country to leverage international expertise, resources, and collaboration to strengthen its security infrastructure and develop sustainable solutions to its security problems” he further stated