Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed grave concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to launch a military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Obi warned that such a statement should trouble every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation.
Obi shared his reaction in a post on X, two days after Trump declared that if Nigeria failed to curb the killings, the United States would strike—and that the attack would be “fast, vicious, and sweet, just like the terrorist thugs attack our CHERISHED Christians.”
Trump had earlier posted on Truth Social that he had directed the Pentagon to explore possible military plans for Nigeria, suggesting Christianity in the country faced an “existential threat.”
Obi also raised concerns over the U.S. government’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), urging immediate diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Washington.
“The recent pronouncement by the U.S. government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern,” Obi wrote.
He noted that Nigeria is currently experiencing alarming levels of insecurity, citing Amnesty International’s report that over 10,000 people have been killed since May 2023.
“As I have consistently lamented, the unwarranted and unprovoked killing of Nigerians is unacceptable and must end. What makes this tragic situation even more painful is that much of it is avoidable with competent leadership and effective governance,” he said.
Obi stressed that although insecurity predated the current administration, the APC-led government has shown “an absence of competence, commitment, prudent resource management, patriotism, and passion” required to steer the country toward safety and justice.
“What Nigerians deserve is a nation where no citizen is unjustly oppressed or killed—a nation where peace, truth, and justice prevail,” he added.
Calling for a renewed diplomatic partnership, Obi emphasized the long-standing strategic relationship between Nigeria and the United States in promoting regional peace and stability.
“That relationship must not be allowed to deteriorate,” he said. “The present situation demands constructive diplomatic action and all plausible engagement between both nations to address the disturbing security challenges. Nigeria and the U.S. must work together swiftly to restore safety and stability.”
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