Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has blamed the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the recent military threat against Nigeria by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Abati argued that the current situation stems from governance failures under the APC and called on the ruling party to take responsibility for resolving the crisis.

He dismissed claims that the United States was targeting Nigeria for its natural resources, describing such arguments as unfounded.

Trump recently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, citing alleged violence against Christians and the government’s failure to protect religious minorities. The Nigerian government has denied any persecution of religious groups. On Saturday, Trump further threatened possible military action if the situation was not addressed promptly.

Abati urged President Bola Tinubu to seek counsel from elder statesmen and seasoned diplomats, stressing the need for experienced leadership in navigating the crisis.

“I don’t subscribe to the argument that America is coming for our oil. They are not. They supply crude oil to the Dangote Refinery and get their gas elsewhere. But there is a complexity we need to address. We need adults in the room, not those who think they know everything,” Abati said.

He called on Tinubu to consult respected figures such as Olusegun Obasanjo, Emeka Anyaoku, TY Danjuma, and Ibrahim Babangida, emphasizing that the current predicament is a mess created by the APC, which must now be corrected through decisive action.