ABUJA, Nigeria — Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on President Bola Tinubu to take firm diplomatic action against former United States President Donald Trump following threats of possible military intervention in Nigeria.
In a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Gumi described Trump’s remarks as a direct affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and urged the Nigerian government to respond immediately through diplomatic channels.
“For Trump to threaten a sovereign country with military attack is a profound disrespect to our authority, but we can rise above it,” he wrote.
Trump, in recent comments, accused Nigeria of allowing widespread attacks on Christians and warned that the United States could cut off assistance and consider military action if the situation persists.
His remarks have sparked condemnation and concern within Nigeria’s political and civil circles, with officials cautioning that such rhetoric risks inflaming tensions.
Gumi advised President Tinubu to summon the US ambassador and demand a formal retraction of the threat.
If such a demand is not met, he argued, Nigeria should consider cutting diplomatic ties.
“President Tinubu should summon the US ambassador; they either retract their threats or we sever diplomatic ties with this irresponsible regime,” he said.
The cleric also encouraged Nigeria to consider alternative global partnerships, asserting that the country need not rely solely on Washington for security and economic cooperation.
“There are lots of other options for our economic expansion and military alliance,” he said, urging the government to explore relationships with other nations capable of supporting Nigeria’s strategic interests.
The comments come as the Nigerian government maintains a measured stance amid Trump’s warnings, with senior officials signalling confidence in the country’s internal security reforms and ongoing diplomatic dialogue.
President Tinubu has yet to directly respond to Gumi’s remarks, but officials have stressed that Nigeria remains committed to engaging allies constructively while safeguarding national sovereignty.
