Stop fueling religious division, Muslim League tells foreign critics of Tinubu govt

A Muslim advocacy group, the Muslim League Unity Group, has cautioned foreign-based actors against what it described as attempts to inflame religious tensions in Nigeria through misinformation and politically motivated narratives.

In a statement jointly signed by Professors Ahmed Umar Daudu and Yunusa Bala Maikafi, the group alleged that some international Christian organizations, particularly in the United States, are circulating what it termed “doctored reports” on 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, warning that such narratives risk breeding distrust and unnecessary divisions among citizens.

According to the statement, some of the organizations behind the reports are relatively obscure groups spreading claims of targeted violence against specific religious communities.

It described the development as “dangerous and capable of plunging the country into chaos,” especially as the 2027 general elections draw closer.

The group also faulted recent remarks attributed to United States Senator Ted Cruz, which it said alleged attacks on Christian schools and places of worship by Muslims in Nigeria.

It argued that such comments are 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.

It stressed that while public officials, including Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, should be held accountable, such scrutiny must be based on verifiable evidence and due process rather than what it described as external pressure or religious bias.

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The group further alleged a pattern of 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 said there is no court conviction, official indictment, or audit report directly implicating him in wrongdoing, either during his tenure as Zamfara State governor or in his current position.

It expressed confidence in his capacity to serve effectively and contribute to ongoing national security efforts.

The statement also questioned attempts to link the Federal Government or its officials to extremist activities, challenging critics to provide credible evidence to substantiate such claims.

While acknowledging that security challenges are a global phenomenon, including in the United States, the group urged both domestic and international stakeholders to refrain from narratives that could deepen religious fault lines in Nigeria.

It called for restraint, mutual respect, and a renewed commitment to preserving the country’s long-standing culture of religious coexistence.