Former Kano State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has urged the Nigerian government to open diplomatic dialogue with the United States, following recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump labelling Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Kwankwaso said the nation’s insecurity challenges have no religious or ethnic bias, warning against foreign narratives that could deepen division.
“I have noted with increasing concern the heightened pronouncements on Nigeria by President Donald Trump. This follows his designation of Nigeria as a ‘country of particular concern.’
It is important to emphasise that our country is sovereign, and the insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged the United States government to switch from threats to constructive engagement, calling for collaboration in technology and intelligence sharing to tackle Nigeria’s security issues.
“The United States should assist Nigerian authorities with cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he noted.
He also advised the Nigerian government to appoint special envoys and permanent ambassadors to engage with Washington and other key international partners.
“Nigeria should consider appointing seasoned diplomats as special envoys to the U.S. and permanent ambassadors to represent our interests globally,” he advised.
Kwankwaso called on Nigerians to stand united in the face of external pressure and avoid internal divisions.
“To my fellow countrymen, this is a time to emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he concluded.
His comments come amid growing tension between Abuja and Washington after President Trump accused Nigeria of turning a blind eye to alleged persecution of Christians — a claim strongly rejected by the Tinubu administration.
