The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has strongly warned US President Donald Trump and his government against interfering in Nigeria’s internal matters, under the guise of defending religious freedom or offering humanitarian aid.
The warning, issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, came in response to President Trump’s recent remarks that designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged religious persecution. This designation has sparked fresh diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington.
The SDP’s statement pointed out that while Nigeria’s security issues are indeed concerning, the nation’s sovereignty remains “non-negotiable.” Aiyenigba stressed that the SDP is alarmed by the rising threats to the country’s independence and its security challenges that have garnered international scrutiny.
“The underwhelming performance of Nigeria’s security forces has unfortunately made us a subject of global concern,” Aiyenigba stated. “However, this does not justify any external interference that could undermine our sovereignty.”
The SDP also called for a constructive approach from the United States, suggesting that rather than threatening military intervention, Washington could offer Nigeria military and intelligence support, as it does for other allied nations such as Israel, Egypt, and Pakistan.
“If the United States is truly concerned about the killings and insecurity in Nigeria, it should offer concrete military support and intelligence collaboration,” the SDP added. “Such support could help us address the growing security threats, rather than engaging in actions that could harm our sovereignty.”
The party issued a stern warning, stressing that no foreign power, including the US, could “love Nigeria more than Nigerians love themselves.” It cautioned that any form of military intervention would likely result in negative consequences, drawing comparisons to the aftermaths of foreign interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan.
“The SDP urges the United States not to repeat the mistakes of the past,” the statement concluded. “Military incursions lead to nothing but sorrow, tears, and blood.”
Additionally, the party appealed to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to focus on his constitutional duty of securing the lives and property of Nigerians, without letting political ambitions for the 2027 elections cloud his priorities.
“The safety of Nigerians must come first, ahead of any political calculations,” the SDP stated, emphasizing the urgent need for leadership that places national security above all else.
