Mr Trump recently listed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and warned that his administration would take military action if what he termed “the genocide of Christians” did not stop.

The Nigerian government dismissed the claim as baseless, explaining that terrorist attacks within the country affect both Muslims and Christians and that there is no official policy promoting persecution.

In a statement shared with and reported by Premium Times, Professor Olurode described Trump’s allegations as a “smokescreen” masking deeper motives.

“Nigeria has, over the years, suffered indiscriminate terrorist attacks that target military installations, public infrastructure, economic assets, and all places of worship — Christian and Muslim alike,” he said.

“There’s hardly any state in the country that has not fallen victim to such violence. Yet, under the present administration, there are emerging indicators that acts of terrorism are actually declining.”

According to Olurode, Trump’s posture is rooted in a long-standing bias against non-white nations.

“Since his campaign for the White House, Trump has demonstrated hatred for black Americans and colored people generally,” he said.

“His immigration policies were hallmarks of racial bigotry and opposition to the melting-pot ideal that America once stood for.”

The professor said Trump’s policies have consistently eroded America’s image as a multicultural nation and weakened international cooperation.

He further linked Trump’s position to economic developments in Nigeria, particularly the success of the Dangote Refinery, which he believes has altered America’s economic influence in the region.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, we are refining our own oil. This development undoubtedly reduces dependency on American oil workers, shippers, and refineries,” he said.

“The Dangote phenomenon must be giving America sleepless nights. As Walter Rodney once argued in How Europe Underdeveloped Africa, the West prefers Africa to remain dependent. A self-sufficient Nigeria disrupts that structure.”

America fears a stable Nigerian democracy Olurode said Nigeria’s rising global cultural influence is reshaping perceptions abroad, something some conservative American leaders find uncomfortable.

“Nigerians in the diaspora are not just economic migrants; they are cultural ambassadors. Our music, art, and entrepreneurship are now embedded in the social fabric of major Western cities. Trump and his allies are no friends of this multicultural reality,” he said.

He also linked the tension to political calculations by powerful nations that seek to weaken emerging democracies.

“America’s global triumph feeds on fueling instability in fledgling democracies. Few powerful nations ever believed Nigeria could sustain 25 years of uninterrupted democracy,” he said.

While condemning Trump’s “provocative and dangerous” remarks, Olurode urged President Bola Tinubu to act with restraint and diplomacy.

He called on political and intellectual elites to stand together in defense of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

“If Nigeria goes under, there will be no country left for our diverse aspirations,” he warned.

Earlier, The Daily Voice reported that former Kano state governor and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has reacted to recent threats from United States President Donald Trump over allegations of genocide against Christians in Nigeria.

He said the US should assist Nigeria in fighting insecurity instead of issuing military threats.

Kwankwaso’s statement follows Trump’s comments and a directive to the US Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria

The American president had accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to the “killing of Christians” and warned that his administration might stop all aid to the country.

Responding on Sunday, November 2, Kwankwaso described Nigeria as a sovereign nation whose citizens face security challenges from various armed groups. He said insecurity in the country affects people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds.

The former defense minister urged Washington to adopt a more constructive approach by supporting Nigeria through technological and intelligence collaboration. According to him, such cooperation would help the country combat terrorism and other forms of criminality more effectively.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarize our country,” he said.

Kwankwaso also advised the federal government to appoint special envoys and permanent ambassadors to engage the American government on issues of mutual concern. He said maintaining diplomatic dialogue is crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s interests and ensuring balanced international relations.

The Daily Voice earlier reported that Nigeria’s Foreign ministry commented on the claim that Nigerian Christians were being killed in massive proportions. According to the government ministry, the claim by the United States President Donald Trump did not reflect the reality on the ground.