Omoyele Sowore reacts to Trump’s claim on Nigeria, saying the real crisis stems from corruption and failed leadership, not religion

Omoyele Sowore reacts to Trump following the former U.S. President’s declaration that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s salvation lies in responsible leadership, not foreign intervention.

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Trump, in a post on Truth Social on Friday, claimed that “radical Islamists” were responsible for mass killings of Christians across Nigeria and announced his intention to designate the country as a “nation of particular concern.”

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote, adding that the U.S. “will stand ready, willing, and able to save our great Christian population around the world.”

Reacting via his X handle on Saturday, Sowore described Trump’s comments as misplaced, arguing that the real crisis afflicting Nigerians goes beyond religion and lies in decades of corruption, poor governance and failed leadership.

“Nigeria should have long been cited as a country of concern for its persistent failure to protect its citizens. Christians, Muslims and traditional believers alike have all suffered under corrupt and illegitimate leadership,” Sowore said.

The human rights activist and former presidential candidate acknowledged the pain of Christian communities in states such as Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna, who have endured repeated attacks.

However, he emphasised that Muslim populations in Katsina, Zamfara, and Borno face the same terror from armed groups.

“Across the nation, Nigerians whipped by hunger, poverty, and displacement cry out for safety and dignity,” he added.

Sowore maintained that while international attention might bring temporary relief, sustainable peace can only come through homegrown reform and visionary leadership.

“No foreign power can fix what corrupt and careless leaders have broken from within. Our redemption will come from honest, accountable leadership that values justice and human life,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to reject dependency on external powers and instead demand transparency and accountability from those in office.

Sowore’s comments came amid renewed international debate on religious violence in Nigeria. Last month, U.S.

lawmaker Riley Moore urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to suspend arms sales to Nigeria over what he called the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the claims in an interview with CNN, describing them as “faulty” and “based on assumptions.”

“Yes, Christians are being attacked, but these criminals also target Muslims. They do not discriminate — we’ve seen it across the northern region,” Idris clarified.

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Sowore concluded that the path to peace and stability lies in rebuilding institutions, protecting all citizens equally, and fostering leadership that unites rather than divides.