Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakasai dismissed claims that Nigerian Christians are being targeted in a “genocide”, saying Christians and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for generations.

He accused foreign media outlets of inflaming religious tensions and criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump for being misled by Nigerians with ties to the U.S., who provided misleading stories. Yakasai described Trump as an “opportunist” influenced by individuals “seeking relevance.”

On security, he endorsed zonal police commands to improve responses but rejected state police, warning they could be politically manipulated. He acknowledged insecurity affects the whole country, particularly the North.

Politically, Yakasai expects President Bola Tinubu to contest in 2027 and possibly win, citing Tinubu’s resources and influence. He emphasized that no single group should be blamed for the country’s problems.