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Home News U.S. Lawmaker Accuses Tinubu of Downplaying Christian Persecution in Nigeria

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U.S. Lawmaker Accuses Tinubu of Downplaying Christian Persecution in Nigeria

West Africa WeeklyNovember 17, 20251 Mins read26

A United States congressman, Riley M. Moore, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of minimising what he describes as a campaign of Christian genocide in Nigeria. Moore argued that despite Tinubu’s public assurances that his government opposes religious persecution, the situation on the ground suggests otherwise.

In a post on X, Moore pointed out that twelve Nigerian states enforce Sharia law. He also cited a case in which a Christian man reportedly faces the death penalty after defending his farm against a Fulani attacker. Moore shared a video of Tinubu reaffirming his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, where the president described Nigeria as a democracy guided by constitutional guarantees of liberty.

WATCH VIDEO: https://x.com/reprileymoore/status/1990096905116758336?s=46

The lawmaker is pushing for the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, a move that could trigger sanctions, visa restrictions and other penalties. He claimed that more than seven thousand Christians were killed across Nigeria in 2025. He urged Washington to suspend military support and arms sales until the Nigerian government takes what he described as tangible steps to protect threatened Christian communities.

Other American lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, have echoed the call for more decisive action. They argue that officials in states enforcing blasphemy laws under Sharia bear responsibility for abuses linked to religious tensions.

Tinubu’s government has rejected the allegations. Presidential aides described Moore’s claims as propaganda and insisted that violence in Nigeria is driven by terrorism, banditry and criminality rather than systematic persecution. Officials maintain that the administration remains committed to protecting all citizens regardless of religious identity.

Analysts warn that the growing tension between Abuja and Washington could have significant diplomatic consequences. The United States has indicated that it may apply a range of diplomatic, economic and security measures if it does not see meaningful reforms from the Nigerian government.