April 22, (THEWILL) — A Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim League Unity Group, has raised concerns over an attempt by foreign elements to stir religious tensions in Nigeria through misinformation and politically-driven narratives.
In a statement jointly signed by Professor Ahmed Umar Daudu and Dr Yunusa Bala Maikafi, the group alleged that some foreign-based actors, including international Christian organisations from the United States are circulating false reports about alleged Christians mistreatment under the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group maintained that Nigeria has a long history of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities, warning that such narratives could create unnecessary division and distrust, especially as the 2027 general elections approach.
According to the statement, some of the organisations behind these claims are relatively unknown groups spreading allegations of targeted violence against certain religious communities.
It described the development as “dangerous” and capable of destabilising the country.
The group also criticised remarks attributed to U.S. Senator, Ted Cruz, which allegedly referenced attacks on Christian schools and places of worship in Nigeria. It said such comments form part of a broader agenda to incite division and promote religious intolerance.
The group also dismissed allegations linked to Kimberly Daniels, who was reportedly said to have called for the dismissal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle, describing the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
The statement further alleged that after failing to remove Matawalle from office, critics had shifted to bribery allegations, which the group characterised as a “witch-hunt and intimidation tactic.”
While emphasising that public officials, including Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, should be held accountable, the group stressed that such scrutiny must be based on credible evidence and due process, not external pressure or religious bias.
It also pointed that as a pattern of foreign-driven accusations targeting prominent Nigerian figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and President Tinubu.
Defending Matawalle’s record, the group stated that no court ruling, official indictment, or audit report has directly implicated him in wrongdoing, either during his tenure as Zamfara State governor or in his current position.
The group expressed confidence in his ability to contribute effectively to national security and urged critics to provide verifiable evidence when making allegations linking government officials to extremist activities.
The group acknowledged that security challenges are a global issue, including in the United States, the group called on both domestic and international stakeholders to avoid narratives that could inflame religious divisions.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
