In a sharp escalation of political tension, the Presidency under President Bola Tinubu has publicly condemned former presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of supporting a “foreign invasion” after remarks that seemed to welcome U.S. military intervention in Nigeria. The criticism comes amid renewed diplomatic strains between Nigeria and the United States following a controversial threat by Donald Trump.
The Context: Trump’s Threat and Nigeria’s Response
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently reignited global attention when he suggested possible military action in Nigeria, citing alleged mass killings of Christians in the country. This followed his decision to re-designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom.
Trump’s remarks, made on social media, included a warning to the Pentagon to “prepare for possible action.” His language sparked diplomatic backlash, with key Nigerian officials stressing that sovereignty must be respected.
What Peter Obi Said — And Why the Presidency is Furious
Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, reacted to Trump’s threat with a call for diplomacy, urging cooperation between Nigeria and the U.S. to address security challenges. In one now-widely shared clip, he allegedly said he would “welcome” an invasion if it could help restore security in Nigeria — a comment interpreted by critics as supporting foreign military intervention.
Obi defended his remarks by framing them as a critique of the Nigerian government’s failure to tackle insecurity. He emphasized that his priority is protecting lives and urged both nations to engage in constructive dialogue.
Tinubu’s Aide Strikes Back — “Never Forgive”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, responded forcefully on social media. In a quoted post, he said: “We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria.”
Onanuga’s statement isn’t just rhetorical. He framed Obi’s comments as a fundamental breach of national sovereignty, suggesting that such rhetoric is dangerous and unforgivable.
Reactions & Broader Implications
- Sovereignty vs Security
The drama underscores a deep national debate: how Nigeria balances the urgent need for security with the imperative of defending its territorial integrity. On one hand, some argue that any talk of foreign military intervention erodes sovereignty. On the other, voices like Obi’s emphasize the desperation many Nigerians feel amid escalating violence. - Political Weaponization
Critics of Obi say he’s leveraging a security crisis to score political points. For Onanuga and his allies, Obi’s stance isn’t just criticism — it’s a political liability that challenges the legitimacy of their administration. - International Fallout
With tensions rising, this controversy could have diplomatic consequences. Nigeria’s engagement with the U.S. is already under scrutiny, and comments like Obi’s — and the presidency’s strong rebuttal — add fuel to an already volatile situation. - Public Sentiment
Among the public, reactions are likely to be mixed. Some may sympathize with Obi’s frustration over insecurity; others may side with Onanuga, believing his warning about foreign intervention crosses a red line.
What Peter Obi Actually Calls For
It’s worth noting that Obi hasn’t directly demanded a U.S. invasion. Instead, his public remarks emphasize diplomatic engagement and joint action to address terrorism. He frequently frames his arguments around the idea that strong leadership and good governance are core to improving security, not necessarily foreign boots on the ground.
