The National Coordinator of the BAT Ideological Group, Bamidele Atoyebi, has criticised renewed claims by some U.S. figures alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing the narrative as a politically motivated campaign aimed at destabilising the country’s progress.

In an opinion article, Atoyebi argued that the revival of the genocide claim, previously pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, was a “dirty international political ploy” intended to undermine Nigeria’s economic recovery, global independence, and dominate our mineral resources.

He noted that the same accusation had surfaced during Trump’s first term when Nigeria was briefly listed as a “Country of Particular Concern” before being delisted by the Biden administration after investigations found no evidence of systematic religious persecution.

“The timing is suspicious. It looks like a calculated attempt to weaken Nigeria’s growing strength and independence,” Atoyebi said.

“If not, why this sudden obsession with Nigeria? Why not Sudan, Afghanistan, or Gaza, places suffering real humanitarian crises?”

Atoyebi said that the insecurity Nigeria has faced in recent years has affected citizens across all faiths, warning that describing it as anti-Christian violence was “false and inflammatory.”

“There is no Christian genocide in Nigeria. The terrorism and banditry we have endured cut across ethnic, tribal, and religious lines,” he stated.

“Data from independent monitors confirm that both Muslims and Christians have suffered losses, disproving the genocide narrative completely.”

He further accused some foreign powers of trying to manipulate Nigeria through propaganda and “weaponised religion,” especially when their influence through policy or diplomacy fails.

Atoyebi also criticised recent U.S. actions toward Nigeria, including the reduction of the country’s five-year visiting visa to three months and alleged visa revocation involving Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, which he said reflected an unfriendly diplomatic posture.

“If President Trump or any of his allies have grievances with our government, they should be bold enough to state them publicly instead of hiding behind false narratives,” he said.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s sovereignty, Atoyebi urged foreign governments to refrain from interfering in the nation’s internal affairs, insisting that the country was on the path of economic and social recovery under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.

He highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reform, and the Health Fellows Programme as indicators of government progress.

“Our country is doing well. The economy is improving, insecurity is reducing, and confidence is returning,” Atoyebi said.

“These are real, measurable achievements under President Tinubu’s administration. Nigerians are hopeful again, and that hope does not depend on any foreign validation.”

He concluded that the renewed genocide narrative was a “distraction” aimed at dividing Nigerians and eroding the country’s growing international credibility.

“Nigeria is not perfect, but we are not failing. We are strong, united, and built to last,” Atoyebi affirmed.

“Those who wish us ill should remember that we are Nigerians! proud, resilient, and determined to shape our own destiny.”