Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that Nigeria’s path to peace and progress depends on responsible local leadership, not foreign intervention.
Sowore made the remarks in reaction to a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently declared that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria due to attacks by “radical Islamists.” Trump had also announced plans to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
Responding via his official X handle on Saturday, Sowore described Trump’s position as misguided, warning against reducing Nigeria’s complex security challenges to a religious conflict.
“Nigeria should have long been cited as a Country of Concern for its persistent failure to protect its citizens,” Sowore said. “The state has failed to safeguard Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers alike. Our people—children, women, workers, and the elderly—continue to suffer under corruption and illegitimate leadership.”
The Sahara Reporters publisher acknowledged the hardship faced by Christian communities in parts of Benue, Plateau, Gombe, and Kaduna but stressed that Muslim populations in Katsina, Zamfara, Borno, and Yobe also live under constant threat from terrorists.
“Across the country, Nigerians whipped by hunger, poverty, and displacement cry out for safety and dignity,” he added.
Sowore argued that while international attention can raise awareness, lasting change must come from within.
“Real solutions lie in honest, courageous leadership that values human life above politics,” he said. “No foreign power can fix what corrupt and careless leaders have broken from within. Our redemption will come from visionary, accountable, and people-centred leadership.”
His comments follow renewed debate in U.S. political circles over Nigeria’s human rights record. Last month, U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore urged Secretary of State Marco Rubio to suspend arms sales to Nigeria, citing “systematic persecution” of Christians.
However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the U.S. claims, insisting that insecurity in the country is not driven by religion.
“Yes, there are Christians being attacked,” Idris told CNN, “but these criminals target everyone—Christians, Muslims, and others—especially in the northern part of the country.”
Sowore’s comments underscore a growing call among activists for domestic reform, accountability, and unity, as Nigeria continues to battle insecurity and economic hardship.
