Don’t Beg Trump, he’s out to exploit Nigeria, not help – Primate Ayodele to Tinubu

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against seeking favour or intervention from US President Donald Trump following Washington’s recent military threats against Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric urged Tinubu to remain firm and focus on addressing Nigeria’s deepening security crisis, warning that the situation could greatly affect his administration and political future if not urgently tackled.

Primate Ayodele insisted that the Nigerian president must not allow himself to be placed “at the mercy” of Trump, whom he accused of using the situation as an opportunity for personal and political gain.

“President Tinubu should not travel to beg Trump; the man only wants to make money,” Ayodele said.
“Instead of seeking help abroad, the president should turn to God and take decisive action to fix the nation’s security challenges. I have said before that insecurity will cost this government dearly if it’s not properly handled.”

The cleric further claimed that the US threat of military intervention was not motivated by humanitarian concerns but by economic interests, alleging that Trump’s administration seeks to negotiate access to Nigeria’s resources under the guise of protecting Christians.

“This issue goes beyond genocide. Trump was never Tinubu’s ally, and what America wants is a deal over Nigeria’s wealth. The president must be patient and careful not to make the wrong decision when offered multiple options,” he warned.

Primate Ayodele emphasized that Nigeria’s problems can only be solved internally, not through foreign pressure or intervention.

“No foreign power can fix Nigeria. Trump is not a saviour; he’s an opportunist and an oppressor. If the US truly has good intentions, they should cooperate with the Nigerian government, not issue threats,” he added.

The cleric’s remarks come amid growing tension between Abuja and Washington, following US statements linking Nigeria’s worsening insecurity and religious violence to possible international action.