Obi urges calm, says Trump’s war threat against Nigeria a wake-up call on security

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening military action against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians, saying such statements should alarm every responsible Nigerian.

Posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, Obi said President Trump’s claim and the decision to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” were consequences of the nation’s worsening security situation and poor governance.

“The declaration by the U.S. government and the accompanying threat of military involvement should worry all well-meaning Nigerians.

“Our country is going through a period of extreme insecurity, and innocent lives are being lost daily. This tragedy is avoidable with competent and accountable leadership, ” Obi wrote.

Trump had over the weekend claimed that he directed the Pentagon to draw up plans for a possible strike on Nigeria, warning that the U.S. would respond “swiftly and decisively” if attacks on Christians continued.

Reacting, Obi said Nigeria must urgently take responsibility for addressing insecurity instead of waiting for international intervention.

He noted that over 10,000 deaths had been recorded from violent attacks since May 2023, citing reports by human rights groups such as Amnesty International.

While acknowledging that insecurity predates the current administration, the former Anambra governor criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government for what he called a lack of seriousness and strategic leadership.

“We cannot continue to lose lives while those in charge fail to act with empathy and competence,” he added. “Good governance is not about excuses, it’s about results.”

Obi also appealed for calm and diplomacy between Abuja and Washington, stressing that both nations have long-standing ties that must be preserved through constructive engagement rather than confrontation.

“Nigeria and the U.S. share a commitment to democracy and regional stability.

”That relationship should not deteriorate. Instead, both sides must work together to address security challenges in a way that protects lives and upholds mutual respect,” he said.

Trump’s controversial comments have drawn global attention and a wave of reactions from Nigerian leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, who dismissed the genocide allegations as misleading, and Governor Charles Soludo, who urged restraint from all sides.