The Presidency has accused an unnamed opposition leader of instigating recent claims of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the move as part of a broader plan to discredit the government of President Bola Tinubu on the international stage.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Communication, Mr. Daniel Bwala, said the controversial allegations gained traction shortly after the opposition figure returned from a recent visit to the United States.
Though Bwala did not mention any name, he hinted strongly that Nigerians active on social media would easily identify the individual behind the claims, which have recently drawn the attention of international media and lawmakers.
According to Bwala, the timing of the allegation’s points to a deliberate attempt to paint Nigeria as unsafe for Christians, despite the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the country.
“Yeah, of course, a Nigerian politician traveled to the US. As soon as he returned, we started seeing all of that. It is textbook,” Bwala said.
“This is not surprising, especially when you have opposition parties that don’t understand what it means to be an opposition. Instead of offering alternative ideas, they create fear, panic, and disunity to make the government look bad.”
The issue gained international attention recently when well-known American TV host Bill Maher, CNN’s Van Jones, and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz expressed concern over the safety of Christians in Nigeria. Senator Cruz even announced plans to introduce a bill in the U.S. Senate aimed at protecting Nigerian Christians.
In a similar move, the Canadian Parliament passed a resolution naming Nigeria as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for Christians — a position that the Nigerian government has strongly rejected.
Bwala, however, dismissed these moves as part of a coordinated “disinformation campaign” aimed at creating unrest and damaging Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
“Gone are those days when African countries, especially Nigeria, will sit back and watch while Western media and lawmakers spread misleading narratives,” he said.
“It has been a textbook tactic — used repeatedly in other countries — to force unpopular opinions, interfere in domestic affairs, and destabilize sitting governments. This is what we are now seeing.”
The presidential aide said the alleged campaign is not only misleading but dangerous, as it creates unnecessary fear and division among Nigerians. He also warned that such tactics could further complicate the country’s fight against insecurity.
“Rather than help the situation, these false narratives give more oxygen to criminals and terrorists. They make it seem like there is a religious war going on, which is completely false,” he added.
Bwala insisted that the Tinubu-led administration remains committed to protecting all Nigerians — regardless of religion or ethnicity — and is working with local and international partners to tackle insecurity in all its forms.
When asked why he would not directly name the politician behind the claim, Bwala said he did not want to “glorify him,” but that the public can easily connect the dots.
“I mean, those who watch social media will know the opposition leader. I don’t want to glorify him by mentioning his name, but everybody knew he traveled to the United States. Few days after he returned, all these things started,” he said.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly denied any state-sponsored religious persecution. While attacks by terrorists and criminal groups have affected communities across the country both Christian and Muslim officials argue that the violence is largely driven by factors like land disputes, banditry, and extremism, not religious genocide.
Meanwhile, calls have grown for both local politicians and international actors to avoid politicising Nigeria’s security challenges.
