Northern elder and former presidential aide, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has accused the United States of exploiting religion as a political weapon to sow division and weaken Nigeria’s unity.

Speaking during a media interaction in Abuja, Baba-Ahmed, who serves as the National Director of Publicity for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), alleged that some foreign powers, particularly the U.S., deliberately amplify Nigeria’s religious differences to manipulate public opinion and influence domestic politics.

“They see us as a threat because of our size, resources, and potential. What they are doing is using religion to divide us and weaken our national unity,” he said.

‘Foreign Powers Exploiting Nigeria’s Fault Lines’

Baba-Ahmed argued that external actors have long used narratives of religious persecution to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

He cited renewed efforts in the U.S. Congress and by international lobby groups to label Nigeria as a country that violates religious freedom.

According to him, such moves are politically motivated and fail to reflect Nigeria’s complex realities, where insecurity affects people of all faiths.

“They deliberately push the narrative that Christians are being persecuted in Nigeria while ignoring the fact that Muslims and adherents of other faiths are also victims of insecurity and economic hardship,” he stated.

Baba-Ahmed warned that foreign involvement framed around religious freedom risks deepening mistrust among Nigerians and could destabilize the country if not properly addressed.

‘Nigeria Must Tell Its Own Story’

The former INEC Secretary emphasized that Nigeria’s greatest challenge is not religious conflict but the manipulation of faith for political or foreign advantage. He urged government and civil society to take charge of shaping Nigeria’s narrative on the international stage.

“If we allow others to tell our story, they will define us according to their interests, not our realities. Nigeria must speak for itself and correct false impressions being circulated abroad,” he added.

Reactions

Baba-Ahmed’s remarks come amid growing debate over reports that U.S. lawmakers are considering re-listing Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) for alleged religious freedom violations.

Rights groups and religious leaders in the country have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the review while others dismiss it as politically driven.

Analysts say the latest comments reflect broader frustrations among Nigerian elites who believe the West often interprets Nigeria’s challenges through a narrow religious lens, ignoring socioeconomic, ethnic, and governance factors that fuel unrest.

Maintaining National Cohesion

Baba-Ahmed called for renewed commitment to inclusive governance, justice, and equitable development, warning that external influence would continue to exploit internal divisions if Nigerians fail to close ranks.

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“We must stop feeding narratives that make it easy for others to divide us. Our strength lies in unity, not in allowing foreigners to define our identity,” he concluded.

Background

Nigeria has faced repeated international scrutiny over alleged religious intolerance and persecution, especially in the aftermath of insurgent violence in the North-East and communal clashes in parts of the Middle Belt.

However, local observers argue that most incidents are rooted in poverty, political exclusion, and criminality rather than religion.