Don’t Stoke Religious Tension Over Politics, Muslim Group Warns Foreign Actors
By Abdullahi Yusuf
A Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim League Unity Group, has cautioned against what it described as attempts by foreign-based actors to inflame religious tensions in Nigeria through misinformation and politically motivated narratives.
In a statement jointly signed by Professor Ahmed Umar Daudu and Dr. Yunusa Bala Maikafi, the group alleged that certain international Christian organisations, particularly from the United States, are circulating what it called “doctored reports” about the alleged mistreatment of Christians under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The group maintained that Nigerians of different faiths have historically coexisted peacefully and warned that such narratives risk creating unnecessary divisions and distrust among citizens.
According to the statement, some of the organisations behind the reports are relatively unknown groups that have been spreading claims of targeted violence against specific religious communities, a development the group described as “dangerous and capable of plunging the country into chaos,” particularly as the 2027 general elections approach.
The group also criticised recent remarks attributed to U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, which it said alleged attacks on Christian schools and places of worship by Muslims in Nigeria. It described the comments as part of a broader agenda to incite division and promote religious intolerance.
Similarly, the statement took issue with allegations reportedly linked to Kimberly Daniels, accusing her of calling for the dismissal of Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Mohammed Bello Matawalle. The group dismissed the claims as unfounded and politically motivated.
After failing of removing Matawalle from office, they have now changed the narrative to bribe issue all in the name of witch hunt and intimidation.
It argued that while public officials, including Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, should be held accountable, such scrutiny must be based on verifiable evidence and due process rather than “external pressure or religious bias.”
The group further alleged a pattern in what it described as foreign-driven accusations against 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 conviction, official indictment, or audit report has directly implicated him in wrongdoing, either during his tenure as Zamfara State governor or in his current role.
The statement expressed confidence in Matawalle’s capacity to serve effectively and contribute to national security efforts.
It also questioned attempts to link the Federal Government or its officials to extremist activities, asking critics to provide credible evidence for such claims.
While acknowledging security challenges globally, including in the United States, the group urged both domestic and international stakeholders to avoid narratives that could deepen religious divisions in Nigeria.
The statement concluded by calling for restraint, mutual respect, and a commitment to preserving Nigeria’s long-standing culture of religious coexistence.