Afenifere says Trump’s invasion threat a ploy to pressure Tinubu over economic policies

Yoruba group accuses US president of using terrorism claims as cover for political motives

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has alleged that the recent threat by United States President Donald Trump to invade Nigeria under the guise of fighting terrorism is merely a strategic decoy to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into economic and political concessions.

Afenifere made this position known in a statement released on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, where it described Trump’s comments as “unfounded, provocative, and an attempt to malign Nigeria’s leadership.”

Afenifere rejects U.S. claim of government complicity in insecurity

Ajayi criticized the American president’s assertion that the Nigerian government was complicit in the killing of Christians by bandits and terrorists, saying the claim was both false and misleading.

“Such allegations are nothing but a calculated attempt to give a dog a bad name in order to have a justification to kill it,” he said.

According to Afenifere, the real motive behind Trump’s harsh rhetoric was economic, not humanitarian.

“By sounding so harsh, Mr. Trump hopes to get President Tinubu to negotiate with him to allow more American economic influence in Nigeria — especially in the area of trade and defense procurement. Nigeria’s growing relationship with China does not sit well with Washington,” the statement added.

The group also noted that some powerful interest groups in the U.S. have been displeased with President Tinubu’s recent policy positions and independent approach to governance.

“Nigeria is sovereign and capable of handling its security” — Afenifere

The Yoruba socio-political group emphasized that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation capable of managing its own internal affairs, including issues of insecurity.

Ajayi stated that while Nigeria still faces major security challenges, the government has been taking steps to address them, including the recent reshuffling of the security leadership by President Tinubu.

“The matter at hand falls squarely within the purview of what the Nigerian government can and should deal with. Through its security agencies, government is not resting on its oars. The change of service chiefs is one of the measures being implemented to improve national security,” he explained.

Afenifere debunks genocide narrative, links insecurity to resource control

Afenifere also rejected the claim that there is an ongoing genocide against Christians in Nigeria. While acknowledging that innocent people have been victims of violence, the group maintained that terrorists and bandits target economic interests, not religion or ethnicity.

“The claim of genocide against Christians is not valid. The reality is that bandits and terrorists do not discriminate. Their target is the economy. Those funding them are after mineral resources underground,” Ajayi noted.

He alleged that the real sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria are criminal networks and foreign interests seeking to exploit mineral-rich regions.

“When local residents are displaced by violence, the sponsors step in and begin to exploit the mineral resources in those areas,” he said.

Afenifere warns against inflammatory comments and external manipulation

The group also criticized Trump’s reported decision to rename the U.S. Department of Defense to ‘Department of War’, interpreting it as a symbolic indication of America’s aggressive foreign policy posture.

Ajayi cautioned Nigerians against falling for external provocations or engaging in statements that could justify foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

“Nigerians must be careful not to make pronouncements that give those who want to create new theatres of war a justification to do so,” he warned.

He urged citizens to avoid comments that undermine national unity, noting that reputational damage caused by such rhetoric can be difficult to reverse.

“When you deride your country, it is not always easy to undo the damage. We must be mindful of what we say or write about Nigeria,” he said.

Afenifere calls for support, not threats

While acknowledging that Nigeria needs global support to overcome its security and economic challenges, Afenifere stressed that threatening the country with military action is counterproductive.

“Nigeria needs help, yes, but threatening it with war is not the way to help. If anything, such a move would escalate an already difficult situation,” Ajayi concluded.

Sanwo-Olu urges Nigerians to defend the nation against external threats

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Nigerians to defend the country against any form of external aggression or foreign interference.

Speaking at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) e-registration drive held at Lagos House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu — represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat — said every Nigerian must rally behind the federal government during this critical period.

Reacting to Trump’s comments, the governor said Nigeria must protect its key national assets such as the Dangote Refinery, which he described as a symbol of national pride and economic independence.

“The Dangote Refinery with its 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity must be protected. The billions of dollars invested are no joke,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu also defended President Tinubu’s leadership, urging Nigerians to show patriotism and faith in his economic policies.

“Our President is making the right decisions. Some may not understand them now, but we must stand proud and defend this government. They are doing the right things, and God will continue to be with us,” the governor stated.