Abuja, October 6, 2025 — The Nigerian Presidency has accused United States Senator Ted Cruz of attempting to use Nigeria as a political scapegoat to deflect from his declining popularity at home, following his recent move to sponsor a bill purportedly aimed at protecting Christians in Nigeria.
The allegation was made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy and Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during an appearance on TVC’s Politics on Sunday. Bwala described Cruz’s initiative as a “misguided and politically motivated stunt” designed to distract from growing domestic backlash against the Texas lawmaker within the United States.
Cruz’s Proposed Bill and International Reactions
Senator Cruz, a member of the US Republican Party, announced plans last week to introduce a bill in the US Senate to “protect Christians in Nigeria,” citing reports of alleged religious persecution and violence in the country. His statement came amid renewed Western attention to Nigeria’s security challenges and the rights of religious minorities.
Cruz’s move follows similar rhetoric from media personalities such as Bill Maher and Van Jones, who have in recent weeks discussed alleged “systemic persecution” of Christians in Nigeria on American television.
Adding to the international pressure, the Canadian Parliament recently passed a non-binding resolution labeling Nigeria as “one of the most dangerous places in the world for Christians,” citing reports from advocacy groups and international human rights monitors.
However, the Nigerian government has strongly rejected these claims, describing them as “sensationalized narratives” influenced by misinformation and foreign lobbying efforts.
Bwala: ‘Cruz Is Seeking Relevance’
Bwala suggested that Senator Cruz’s sudden interest in Nigeria’s religious affairs was politically opportunistic. According to him, Cruz’s relationship with the pro-Trump MAGA movement has become strained, leaving him eager to “rebrand” himself through foreign policy activism.
“Ted Cruz is the senator who is always jumping on podcasts, talking about sponsoring a bill against Nigeria,” Bwala said. “He’s under scrutiny by the MAGA movement because of his unpopularity, and now he wants to divert attention by picking on Nigeria.”
Bwala described Cruz’s proposed legislation as “grandstanding at the expense of a sovereign nation,” adding that “Nigeria’s internal affairs cannot and will not be dictated by politicians seeking headlines abroad.”
Alleged Foreign Influence and Funding
The presidential adviser also alleged that Senator Cruz and his supporters were receiving indirect support from foreign lobbying networks, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
According to Bwala, “All of these people who are supporting him are funded by AIPAC. Their goal is to push a certain geopolitical agenda that casts Nigeria in a bad light, creating tension between our government and Western institutions.”
He claimed that these efforts were part of a broader campaign to “engineer anger against Nigeria” and shape U.S. policy toward the country by portraying it as hostile to religious minorities.
“This is not about human rights or religious freedom,” Bwala added. “It’s about influence and money — and Nigeria will not dance to that tune.”
Nigeria’s Position on Human Rights and Religious Freedom
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has long maintained that religious conflicts in the country are complex and multifaceted, often driven by economic, ethnic, and territorial disputes rather than purely faith-based persecution.
The Presidency insists that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and banditry, particularly in the country’s northern regions, where extremist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) continue to operate.
“We have lost thousands of innocent Nigerians from both faiths,” Bwala said. “To single out one religion as being targeted by the government is not only false but dangerous.”
He stressed that the Nigerian government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion, and continues to partner with international organizations to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Tinubu-Trump Relations and Common Security Goals
Bwala also drew parallels between the approaches of President Bola Tinubu and former US President Donald Trump, suggesting that both leaders share a “pragmatic” view on security and governance.
He described the relationship between the two administrations as grounded in mutual respect and strategic cooperation, particularly in counterterrorism and regional stability.
“President Tinubu and President Trump share a common interest in fighting insecurity and promoting stability in their respective nations,” Bwala said. “That’s where our energy should be focused, not on divisive rhetoric driven by politicians like Ted Cruz.”
Questioning the Credibility of Foreign Reports
Bwala further questioned the accuracy and sources of international reports that have shaped Western perceptions of Nigeria’s human rights record. He claimed that much of the data cited by advocacy groups and foreign media outlets originated from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) “funded by foreign donors with hidden agendas,” rather than from credible local institutions such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
“The narratives they rely on are not based on empirical evidence or official government data,” Bwala argued. “Many of these NGOs have no presence on the ground and simply repeat what they are paid to publish.”
He urged foreign governments and media organizations to engage directly with Nigerian authorities for verified information instead of depending on “third-party reports that distort the truth.”
Defending Nigeria’s Sovereignty
The Presidency reiterated that Nigeria, as a sovereign nation, will not succumb to external pressure or allow its internal affairs to be politicized by foreign lawmakers.
Bwala emphasized that President Tinubu’s administration is open to constructive dialogue with genuine partners but would firmly resist attempts to “undermine national integrity under the guise of humanitarian concern.”
“Nigeria does not need lectures on democracy or human rights from anyone,” he said. “We have a functioning democracy, a free press, and a people who are capable of defending their own freedoms.”
Mixed Reactions from Analysts
Political analysts in Abuja have described the dispute as the latest flashpoint in the complex relationship between Nigeria and Western governments, particularly over issues of security, governance, and human rights.
While some commentators believe that U.S. lawmakers have a legitimate interest in promoting religious freedom, others argue that Cruz’s move reflects a “neo-colonial mindset” that undermines diplomatic respect.
“This is not the first time American politicians have used African nations to score domestic political points,” said Dr. Osita Eze, an international relations scholar at the University of Lagos. “It’s a familiar pattern — moral posturing abroad to distract from political troubles at home.”
Conclusion
As tensions simmer, Nigeria’s government remains steadfast in defending its image and sovereignty against what it calls “foreign manipulation and false narratives.”
For now, the ball lies in Washington’s court, where Senator Cruz’s proposed bill has yet to be formally introduced — but already, its diplomatic ripples are being felt across Abuja and beyond.
By Africa Live News – Political Affairs Desk?
