Nigeria lawmaker urges opposition not to damage country’s image abroad

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, says political battles over President Bola Tinubu should not be exported to Washington.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Benue lawmaker urged US President Donald Trump and his administration to ignore what he described as politically motivated lobbying over historical US law-enforcement records relating to Tinubu. He also warned opposition politicians that their efforts could damage Nigeria’s reputation as the 2027 general elections approach.

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When desperate politicians begin to export their political battles and package Nigeria as a country whose leadership is allegedly built around criminality, they are not hurting President Tinubu alone.

Agbese said the dispute had moved beyond ordinary political criticism. “When desperate politicians begin to export their political battles and package Nigeria as a country whose leadership is allegedly built around criminality, they are not hurting President Tinubu alone,” he said. “They are damaging the image of every Nigerian who travels, studies, works, does business or seeks opportunities abroad.”

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They are damaging the image of every Nigerian who travels, studies, works, does business or seeks opportunities abroad.

He called on the Trump administration to examine the motives and credibility of groups presenting themselves as advocates for Nigeria before acting on information supplied through lobbying. Agbese said political opponents had the right to criticize the Federal Government and challenge Tinubu’s policies, but should not use foreign governments or institutions to settle domestic disputes.

He described the relationship between the United States and Nigeria as broader than the ambitions of what he called desperate politicians. “That relationship should be built around security, trade, investment, development and the mutual interests of both countries, not opposition-sponsored campaigns designed to influence Washington against Nigeria,” he said. Agbese also urged the Federal Government not to be distracted by attempts to create international controversy around the president.

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That relationship should be built around security, trade, investment, development and the mutual interests of both countries, not opposition-sponsored campaigns designed to influence Washington against Nigeria.