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AU Rejects Trump Threat, Urges Dialogue With Nigeria
The African Union Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s sovereignty, religious freedom, and the rule of law in response to recent statements by the United States suggesting Nigerian complicity in attacks against Christians and threatening possible military action.
The commission emphasized the importance of diplomacy and constructive engagement over military threats.
In a press release issued on Friday via its official X account, the AUC underscored the need to respect Nigeria’s right to manage its internal affairs without external interference.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria is a longstanding and valued member state of the African Union, playing a key role in regional stability, counterterrorism, peacekeeping initiatives, and continental integration,” the statement read.
The commission stressed that any external engagement must uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The AUC fully respects Nigeria’s sovereign right to manage its internal affairs, including security, religious freedom, and human rights, in line with its Constitution and international obligations,” it added.
Addressing concerns about alleged religious persecution, the AUC reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to protecting freedom of belief.
“The commission supports Nigeria’s repeated affirmation that its Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief, and that the government rejects all forms of religious persecution,” the release stated.
The AU also acknowledged the complex security challenges facing Nigeria, including violent extremism, banditry, communal clashes, and resource-based conflicts.
“Nigeria faces complex security challenges affecting citizens of all faiths,” the AUC noted, calling for regional and international cooperation to strengthen capacities to protect citizens and uphold human rights.
Cautioning against portraying Nigeria’s security problems as religiously motivated, the AU rejected what it described as “divisive and simplistic” narratives.
“The AUC rejects any narrative that weaponizes religion or oversimplifies security challenges. Conflating all violence with a single religious-target narrative may hinder effective solutions and destabilize communities,” it warned
Urging diplomacy over military threats, the AUC appealed to international partners, including the United States, to adopt a cooperative approach.
“The AUC urges external partners, including the United States, to engage Nigeria through diplomatic dialogue, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building partnerships, while respecting Nigerian sovereignty. Resorting to unilateral threats of military intervention could undermine continental peace, regional stability, and AU norms for peaceful conflict management,” the commission said.
The AU reaffirmed its readiness to support Nigeria through peace and security mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and strategic partnerships.
“The African Union Commission remains committed to supporting Member States in promoting peace, security, human rights, and development, while upholding sovereignty and non-interference,” the statement concluded.
On November 1, US President Donald Trump said he had directed the Pentagon to draw up “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria, claiming the move was aimed at protecting Christian communities.
In a reaction from Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova urged Washington to act responsibly and in line with international law.
“We are closely monitoring this issue and call on all parties involved to strictly comply with international legal norms,” she said.
In a post on his Truth Social platform last Friday, Trump described Christianity in Nigeria as facing an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby designating Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” he wrote.
Trump added that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” pledging that his administration was “ready, willing, and able to protect our great Christian population around the world.”
He also urged members of Congress to investigate the situation, instructing Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and the House Appropriations Committee to report back to him.
In response, the Federal Government dismissed the allegations, with President Bola Tinubu reaffirming that Nigeria upholds religious freedom and protects the rights of all faiths.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo
Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.
States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win
The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
