A video circulating on social media has sparked outrage after a group of supporters linked to Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, were seen expressing admiration for former United States President Donald Trump while allegedly celebrating Nigeria’s inclusion in a controversial global religious freedom watchlist.
In the video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @citizenobs, one of the speakers praised Trump, calling him “the best president in the whole wide world,” and went on to say, “God bless you, thank you for placing Nigeria in the country of CPC.”
Observers have interpreted the statement as an endorsement of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s (USCIRF) designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” — a move that has been criticized by the Nigerian government as politically motivated and misleading.
Political analysts say the video could further fuel tensions in Nigeria’s polarized political space, as it appears to depict individuals celebrating what some perceive as foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Critics argue that associating with external groups to portray Nigeria as a failed or divided state undermines national unity and sovereignty. Supporters of Obi, however, insist that raising awareness of human rights and religious freedom concerns does not equate to working against the country’s interest.
The Nigerian government has not yet issued an official statement regarding the video, but officials have in the past dismissed allegations of systemic religious persecution as false and dangerous propaganda.
The video has since gone viral, drawing sharp reactions from Nigerians at home and abroad, with many calling for restraint and responsible political discourse as the country continues to navigate complex national and international relations.