Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, have come under public scrutiny following their silence over threats by United States President, Donald Trump, to launch a military attack on Nigeria.
Trump, who last week announced the re-designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, had on Saturday revealed that he had instructed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for possible action against Nigeria.
While the Federal Government dismissed the statement as “reckless and baseless,” the development has continued to dominate public discourse, with Nigerians at home and abroad expressing outrage over what they described as an affront on the country’s sovereignty.
However, the conspicuous silence of Atiku and Obi—known for their frequent interventions in national debates—has sparked reactions from supporters and political observers. Many of their followers on social media have urged them to speak out, arguing that their voices carry weight at such a critical moment.
Political analysts say the two opposition figures may have opted for caution to avoid missteps that could affect their ambitions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In contrast, the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, broke his silence on Sunday, condemning Trump’s threat and calling for diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.
Kwankwaso, in a statement, said the U.S. should assist Nigeria in combating insecurity instead of issuing threats that could destabilise the nation further.
“It is important to emphasise that our country is a sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the country. The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” he said.
The former governor of Kano State also advised the Nigerian government to appoint special envoys and permanent ambassadors to engage with the U.S. government and safeguard Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Presidency has commended Kwankwaso and other political leaders who have taken a firm stand in defence of the country.
“Thank you, Senator Kwankwaso, for your patriotism. This is a time for all political leaders, across the divide, to unite behind our country and speak out as patriots,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy.
As the debate intensifies, Nigerians await reactions from Atiku and Obi, whose silence continues to fuel questions about their stance on one of the most consequential diplomatic rows in recent years.