The Presidency under President Bola Tinubu has strongly condemned former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for endorsing what it describes as a “foreign invasion” of Nigeria.

The statement follows Obi’s remarks on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American military forces to combat terrorists in Nigeria.

Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, said:

“We shall never forget and forgive Peter Obi for supporting a foreign invasion of Nigeria.”

Obi, during a recent event, criticized the Nigerian government for downplaying insecurity and alleged “Christian genocide” in the country. He also suggested that international intervention could be necessary to protect citizens.

He stated:

“If by today you declare me president, my number one priority is the security of life and property… Number two is to reduce poverty, and number three is to invest in education and health. Investing in children now prevents future insecurity.”

The controversy follows Trump’s declaration on October 31, 2025, redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged killings of Christians. Trump warned that Nigeria must improve its security measures or risk the withdrawal of U.S. aid, even threatening to deploy the U.S. Department of War against terrorists targeting Christians.

In response, the Nigerian Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu and Trump are scheduled to meet to discuss the allegations of Christian genocide and the implications of U.S. decisions on aid and security cooperation.