Presidency Denies Tinubu’s Planned Visit To United States

The Presidency has dismissed reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to travel to the United States on Tuesday to meet with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, in a post on his official X handle on Monday, described the report as false and misleading, saying it had caused unnecessary speculation and unfounded discussions.

Ajayi clarified that if the President were to visit the White House, he would meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, not the Vice President. He noted that the claim originated from Sahara Reporters and urged the public to disregard it.

The clarification followed widespread media reports alleging that President Tinubu was set to travel to Washington for high-level diplomatic engagements amid global concern over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The controversy stems from a recent statement by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military action if the Nigerian government failed to stop what he described as the killing of Christians.

Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account, warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” and cut off all aid to Nigeria if the attacks continued.

Reacting to the remarks, President Tinubu over the weekend dismissed claims of any “Christian genocide,” insisting that Nigeria remains a democracy built on constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equality for all citizens.

He stated that his administration continues to engage both Christian and Muslim leaders to promote peace, security, and unity across the country.

Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s diversity is one of its strengths, rejecting attempts to portray the nation as religiously intolerant.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our reality,” the President said, reaffirming his commitment to protect citizens of all faiths and deepen cooperation with the United States and other partners in promoting global peace and mutual understanding.