Jaafar: Trump’s Threat Linked to Tinubu’s Religious Politics

Investigative journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, has attributed the recent military threat issued by United States President Donald Trump against Nigeria to what he described as the political consequences of President Bola Tinubu’s Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Jaafar, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said Trump’s remarks and Nigeria’s new designation as a “country of particular concern” by Washington might be “karmic payback” for the role religion played in the 2023 general elections.

President Trump had at the weekend accused the Tinubu administration of failing to protect Christians and other religious minorities, warning of possible U.S. military intervention if the situation was not urgently addressed.

The Nigerian government has since dismissed the allegations, insisting that no group in the country is being targeted on the basis of faith.

Reacting, Jaafar faulted both leaders for exploiting religion to stir division.

He wrote:

“Trump’s selective outbursts over killings under the Tinubu administration is a karmic payback for using religion to gain political advantage. Trump too is unfairly using religion to stoke anger and divide us. Even if the Muslim-Muslim ticket is politically correct, it is wrong for our stability as a nation.”

According to the journalist, Nigeria’s leaders must understand that politics transcends numbers, stressing that inclusivity and fairness are vital for lasting unity.

“Politics is not just a game of numbers, but of inclusivity and give-and-take. Numbers can produce votes but not stability and unity,” he added.

Jaafar’s comment comes amid a series of international reactions trailing Trump’s statement, with several Nigerian officials urging calm and calling for diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.