NIGERIA PUSHES BACK ON GENOCIDE CLAIMS

Nigeria Pushes Back on Genocide Claims: Daniel Bwala’s Interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics

In a recent appearance on Channels Television’s flagship program Sunday Politics, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, offered a robust rebuttal to allegations of Christian genocide in Nigeria. 

The interview, which aired on October 12, 2025, was framed around the theme “Nigeria Pushes Back on Genocide Claims,” following international criticism, particularly from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, accusing the Nigerian government of complicity or negligence in what was described as a targeted campaign against Christians.

Bwala dismissed these allegations as unfounded and based largely on hearsay. He argued that the sources cited by Senator Cruz, including reports from Sahara Reporters and unnamed civil society organizations, lacked the rigor and verification necessary for such serious accusations.

According to Bwala, many of the incidents referenced occurred as far back as 2015 and 2018, and the 2025 events cited were not substantiated by credible, on-the-ground investigations. He emphasized that relying on open-source information without proper verification undermines the integrity of such claims.

The presidential aide also suggested that the timing and tone of these allegations may be politically motivated. He noted that Senator Cruz’s popularity in the United States has been waning due to his controversial positions, implying that the senator might be using Nigeria as a scapegoat to regain political traction.

Furthermore, Bwala linked the resurgence of genocide claims to Nigeria’s recent diplomatic stance at the United Nations. He pointed out that Vice President Kashim Shettima’s speech at the 80th UN General Assembly, which advocated for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, may have triggered backlash from certain Western actors who are now amplifying unverified reports of religious persecution in Nigeria.

In addition to addressing the genocide allegations, Bwala used the platform to highlight what he described as significant improvements in national security under President Tinubu’s administration. He claimed that Nigerians are “superlatively safer” today than they were before 2023. He cited the cessation of prison breaks and a sharp decline in daylight kidnappings as evidence of improved security.

According to Bwala, these developments mark a departure from the previous administration, during which such incidents were rampant, even in the capital city, Abuja.

Bwala’s remarks were not limited to security metrics. He also touched on the broader implications of misinformation and the importance of responsible international commentary. He urged foreign lawmakers and media outlets to engage with verified data and consult with Nigerian authorities before making sweeping claims that could inflame tensions or misrepresent the country’s complex socio-political landscape.

In summary, Daniel Bwala’s interview on Sunday Politics served as a strategic communication effort by the Nigerian presidency to counter international narratives of religious genocide.

By challenging the credibility of the sources, contextualizing the allegations within global geopolitics, and highlighting domestic security gains, Bwala aimed to reframe the discourse and assert Nigeria’s sovereignty in managing its internal affairs.