ABUJA — Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has strongly rejected recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria, describing the claim as “false, unfounded, and ignorant of Nigeria’s realities.”
Ndume made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” and in a motion presented at the Senate plenary. He emphasized that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and not rooted in religious persecution.
“What Ted Cruz and co said is not true. It is not true to say Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria,” Ndume said, referencing the origins of the claim from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and its revival by Trump.
The Senate, in response to Ndume’s motion co-sponsored by 20 lawmakers, unanimously dismissed the genocide narrative and resolved to work with the Federal Government to correct misconceptions in the international community.
Ndume also criticized the Nigerian government and National Assembly for their slow diplomatic response to the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), which could trigger sanctions and restrictions.
Trump’s comments, made via his Truth Social platform, claimed Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria and called for the country to be placed on a watchlist for severe violations of religious freedom.
Ndume urged foreign leaders to engage with verified data and context before making sweeping statements, warning that such mischaracterizations could damage Nigeria’s global reputation and diplomatic standing.
