Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd.), has urged United States President Donald Trump to show support for Nigeria’s fight against insecurity rather than make comments that could destabilise the country.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abdulsalami, speaking from London in a telephone interview, warned that Trump’s recent comments about Nigeria being a “country of particular concern” could “jeopardise the nation’s hard-won unity.”
9news Nigeria reports that on Friday, October 31, 2025, Trump announced that Nigeria had been redesignated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over what he described as “Christian genocide.”
He further warned that unless the Nigerian government acted swiftly, the United States would suspend all aid and might “unleash the Department of War” to deal with terrorists “attacking our cherished Christians.”
The comments sparked outrage across Nigeria, with political leaders and civil society groups describing the statements as “provocative and unnecessary.”
The Nigerian presidency has since announced that President Bola Tinubu and Trump are expected to meet to discuss the matter.
In his reaction, Abdulsalami described Trump’s remarks as a grave threat to national cohesion, urging Nigerians to remain united and avoid being drawn into divisive rhetoric.
“Trump’s comments pose a grave threat to the country’s hard-won unity,” he said.
“At this critical time, unity, wisdom, and diplomacy must take precedence over division and pride.”
The elder statesman called on citizens to “put aside their differences” and defend the country’s sovereignty through peace and mutual respect.
Abdulsalami also appealed to the United States to adopt a more constructive approach toward Nigeria’s internal challenges, particularly in addressing insecurity, poverty, and terrorism.
“What Nigeria needs now is cooperation and strategic dialogue, not threats or labels,” he said.
“The U.S. should work with us to strengthen peace and security.”
He stressed that the international community should help developing nations like Nigeria through intelligence sharing, training, and diplomatic engagement rather than punitive declarations.
The former leader, who handed over power to a democratic government in 1999, noted that Nigeria must continue to rely on quiet diplomacy to manage international relations and safeguard its interests.
“Nigeria must continue to engage in quiet diplomacy to address any misunderstandings and protect its national interest,” he added.
