Trump’s army danger: APC created this mess – Abati

Introduction

The escalating tensions between Nigeria and the United States, particularly the threat of military intervention by President Donald Trump, have sparked a heated debate about accountability within Nigeria’s political landscape. Veteran journalist and former presidential aide Reuben Abati has emerged as a vocal critic, condemning the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly creating the conditions that led to Trump’s warnings. In a recent interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Abati argued that the APC’s governance failures have left Nigeria vulnerable to external pressures, including the U.S. designation of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern” (COPC) and the threat of military action. This article examines Abati’s claims, the broader implications of Trump’s rhetoric, and the responsibilities of Nigeria’s leadership in addressing these challenges.

Analysis

Abati’s Critique of APC’s Governance
Reuben Abati’s assertion that the APC is responsible for the “new army danger” reflects a broader narrative of internal political dysfunction. He points to a series of governance missteps, including the mismanagement of security, economic instability, and the failure to protect religious minorities. According to Abati, these issues have not only weakened Nigeria’s sovereignty but also made the country a target for external actors like the U.S., which has increasingly scrutinized Nigeria’s internal affairs.

The U.S. Designation as a COPC
Trump’s decision to label Nigeria as a COPC in 2025 marks a significant escalation. The designation highlights concerns over religious violence, particularly against Christians, and the perceived failure of the Nigerian government to safeguard its citizens. However, Abati dismisses the idea that the U.S. is targeting Nigeria for its natural resources, citing the fact that American companies are not purchasing Nigerian oil. Instead, he emphasizes the need to address the root causes of the security crisis, such as corruption and weak institutional frameworks.

Historical Parallels and the Risk of Intervention
Abati draws comparisons to past U.S. interventions in regions like Libya and Syria, suggesting that Nigeria could face similar consequences if the current situation remains unchecked. While these examples are often cited in discussions about foreign interference, Abati stresses that Nigeria must avoid the temptation to blame external forces without examining its own domestic failures. He argues that the APC’s inability to implement effective policies has created a vacuum that foreign powers can exploit.

Summary

Reuben Abati’s critique of the APC underscores the urgency of addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges. By attributing the current crisis to the ruling party’s mismanagement, Abati calls for a reevaluation of leadership priorities and a shift toward inclusive, expert-driven policymaking. The article explores the implications of Trump’s COPC designation, the historical context of U.S. interventions, and the need for Nigeria to strengthen its institutions to mitigate external pressures. Ultimately, the piece highlights the importance of accountability and strategic diplomacy in safeguarding the nation’s stability.

Key Points

Abati’s Blame on APC for Nigeria’s Security Crisis

Reuben Abati directly links the escalating tensions with the U.S. to the APC’s governance failures, arguing that the party’s mismanagement has left Nigeria vulnerable to external criticism and potential military action.

U.S. Designation of Nigeria as a COPC

President Trump’s 2025 designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” highlights concerns over religious persecution and the government’s failure to protect minority groups, though Nigeria denies these claims.

Comparison to Historical Interventions

Abati references the U.S. interventions in Libya and Syria to warn about the potential consequences of neglecting domestic issues, urging Nigeria to avoid repeating past mistakes by confronting its internal challenges head-on.

Call for Experienced Leadership

The article emphasizes the need for former leaders and diplomats like Obasanjo and Anyaoku to guide Nigeria’s response, stressing the importance of seasoned expertise in navigating complex international dynamics.

Rejection of Resource-Based Motives

Abati dismisses the notion that the U.S. is targeting Nigeria for its oil, pointing to the Dangote Refinery’s use of Nigerian crude and the lack of American investment in the country’s energy sector.

Practical Advice

Form a Presidential Council on International Relations
Abati calls for the establishment of a dedicated council to manage Nigeria’s foreign relations, a step that could centralize expertise and improve strategic decision-making. This body would include seasoned diplomats and security experts to address complex issues like U.S. interventions and religious tensions.

Promote Transparency and Institutional Reforms
Strengthening anti-corruption measures and improving the efficiency of security agencies are critical to restoring public trust and reducing external scrutiny of Nigeria’s governance.

Engage with International Partners Constructively
Abati argues that Nigeria should focus on fostering dialogue with the U.S. and other global powers, emphasizing economic cooperation over perceptions of resource exploitation. This includes leveraging partnerships like the Dangote Refinery to demonstrate mutual benefits.

Address Religious Tensions Proactively
The government must prioritize policies that protect religious minorities and ensure equitable treatment of all citizens, as this is a key factor in U.S. assessments of Nigeria’s stability.

Points of Caution

Avoiding Blame Game Dynamics
While Abati attributes the crisis to APC’s governance, it is essential to balance criticism with a focus on actionable solutions. Nigerians must avoid deflecting responsibility to external actors without confronting internal challenges.

Misinterpreting U.S. Motives
The claim that the U.S. is solely targeting Nigeria for its resources ignores the broader geopolitical context. The COPC designation is primarily about human rights and security, not economic interests, and should be addressed through diplomatic channels.

Risks of Overreliance on Historical Analogies
Comparing Nigeria’s situation to past interventions like those in Libya and Syria risks oversimplification. Each nation’s context is unique, and solutions must be tailored to local realities rather than relying on historical precedents.

Balancing National Sovereignty and Global Engagement
Nigeria must navigate its international obligations while maintaining sovereignty, ensuring that external pressures do not dictate domestic policies but rather complement efforts to improve governance.

Comparison

Nigeria vs. Syria: A Tale of Two Crises
While both countries have faced U.S. scrutiny, Nigeria’s case differs significantly. Unlike Syria’s civil war, Nigeria’s situation is primarily linked to religious tensions and governance failures. However, both scenarios highlight the consequences of weak institutions and the potential for external actors to exploit domestic instability.

Comparing Abati’s Approach to Other Analysts
Abati’s emphasis on internal accountability contrasts with some analysts who attribute the crisis to U.S.-Nigeria relations. His focus on reforming leadership and fostering dialogue represents a pragmatic shift from adversarial rhetoric to collaborative problem-solving.

Legal Implications

The U.S. designation of Nigeria as a COPC has legal ramifications, including potential sanctions and trade restrictions. However, Nigeria’s denial of religious persecution complicates the situation, as the legal basis for the designation may be contested. This underscores the need for clear, evidence-based dialogue between Nigeria and the U.S. to resolve disputes and prevent escalation.

Conclusion

Abati asserts that the APC and other political actors must address their governance shortcomings rather than blame external forces. With the U.S. threatening military action and Nigeria’s economy and security at risk, the article underscores the necessity of expert-driven policies, transparency, and strategic diplomacy to navigate the crisis. The path forward demands accountability, institutional reforms, and constructive international engagement to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability.

FAQ

Relevant Keywords

Trump’s army danger, APC governance, Reuben Abati, Nigeria security crisis, COPC designation, U.S.-Nigeria relations, religious persecution, political accountability, Abati’s critique, Nigerian diplomacy.

Final Thoughts

Abati’s analysis highlights the urgent need for Nigeria to confront its internal challenges rather than deflect blame onto external actors. By prioritizing institutional reforms, expert leadership, and transparent governance, Nigeria can navigate the complexities of international relations while safeguarding its sovereignty. The article serves as a call to action for the APC and other leaders to address the root causes of the crisis and re-engage with global partners on a more constructive path.