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A social media storm has erupted following claims that Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, lobbied US officials during a recent Washington visit to request escalated military airstrikes in northern Nigeria and to find ways to implicate opposition politician Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
The allegation originated from a widely shared post on X by user @Mallam_jabeer, which read: “So after Remi Tinubu asked the US to b%mb the North, she also begged them to find a way to implicate kwankwaso. A very dangerous game.
Only few will understand what’s going on here. Obi/Kwankwaso Us3less COWARDS.”
The post quickly gained traction, amassing thousands of views, reposts, and replies, with many users interpreting it as evidence of a calculated political move ahead of future elections.
Some speculated that the timing ties into potential alliances between opposition figures like Peter Obi and Kwankwaso that could challenge the ruling party.
The controversy stems from Oluremi Tinubu’s recent trip to the United States, where she attended events including the National Prayer Breakfast and spoke positively about US involvement in Nigeria’s security challenges.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, she described recent US airstrikes conducted on Christmas Day against Islamist militants in Sokoto State as a “blessing” and a “welcome development.”
She expressed openness to deeper collaboration between Nigeria and the US on security matters, framing the strikes as helpful in addressing insurgency and banditry plaguing parts of the North.
Shortly afterward, five US congressmen introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026, a bill proposing targeted sanctions—including visa bans and asset freezes—against individuals and groups accused of severe religious freedom violations, particularly the persecution of Christians.
The legislation explicitly names Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State governor and leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), alongside Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN), Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, and certain Fulani-ethnic militias.
It calls for periodic assessments of Nigeria’s compliance with international religious freedom standards and potential designation of some militias as foreign terrorist organizations.
Netizens and commentators have linked the two developments, suggesting the First Lady’s visit influenced both the praise for US strikes and the congressional push targeting Kwankwaso.
Critics on social media have accused her of turning against northern interests, with some labeling her an “open enemy of northern Muslims” or claiming the moves aim to weaken potential 2027 election challengers.
However, no official evidence has surfaced confirming direct lobbying by Oluremi Tinubu for airstrikes or sanctions against Kwankwaso.
His Phone And Calls Any Security Outfits To Arrest Anybody Without Any Investigation — El Rufai
The US bill appears rooted in long-standing congressional concerns over religious violence in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, rather than any single diplomatic visit.
Oluremi Tinubu
Oluremi Tinubu
The Nigerian government has previously described the Sokoto strikes as a joint operation coordinated with US forces, emphasizing mutual agreement on targeting terrorist positions.
The claims have sparked polarized reactions online. Supporters of the administration argue that welcoming foreign assistance against terrorism shows pragmatic leadership, while detractors view it as undermining national sovereignty or pursuing political vendettas.
Kwankwaso’s associates and NNPP representatives have expressed shock at the US proposal, dismissing it as misguided or politically motivated.
As the story circulates, it highlights the intersection of security cooperation, religious tensions, and domestic politics in Nigeria, with social media amplifying unverified narratives into national debate.
Neither the First Lady’s office nor US officials have directly addressed the specific allegations raised in the viral post.
