On Friday, Trump tagged Nigeria a “country of particular
concern”, and accused the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to attacks
on Christians.

In an X post on Sunday, Kwankwaso, the 2023 presidential
candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), said Trump’s remarks were
worrisome and could further strain Nigeria’s unity if not handled with caution.

He noted that Nigeria remains a sovereign nation facing
complex security challenges that cut across religious and ethnic lines.

“It is important to emphasise that our country is a
sovereign nation whose people face different threats from outlaws across the
country,” Kwankwaso said.

“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on
religious, ethnic, or political beliefs.”

The former governor urged the US to support Nigeria with
advanced technology to tackle insecurity rather than issue statements that
could heighten divisions.

“The United States should assist the Nigerian authorities
with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than
posing a threat that could further polarise our country,” he said.

Kwankwaso also called on the federal government to
strengthen diplomatic engagement with Washington by appointing seasoned envoys
and permanent ambassadors.

“The Nigerian government should also consider appointing
special envoys from its distinguished diplomats to engage the American
government,” he said.

“Additionally, it is necessary to appoint permanent
ambassadors to represent Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.”

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united in the face of
external pressures, saying this was a defining moment for the country.

“To my fellow countrymen, this is an important moment where
we should emphasise unity of belonging over division,” he added.

President Bola Tinubu had rejected Trump’s labelling of
Nigeria, saying Nigeria remains a democracy anchored on constitutional
guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.