The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, has debunked reports claiming that the President plans to travel to the United States on Tuesday for a meeting with US Vice President J.D. Vance.
Ajayi, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Monday, described the report—originally published by Sahara Reporters—as false and misleading, adding that it had sparked unnecessary speculation and “ill-informed discussions.”
He clarified that if President Tinubu were to visit the White House, the meeting would be with US President Donald Trump, not the Vice President.
“There is an article from Sahara Reporters indicating that President Tinubu will be traveling to the United States on Tuesday to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance. That article is inaccurate. The misinformation has become the basis for several misguided analyses since yesterday. If President Tinubu is indeed visiting the White House, he will not be meeting with a Vice President,” Ajayi wrote.
The clarification came amid growing controversy and online debates about alleged tensions between Nigeria’s government and Christian groups.
Over the weekend, President Tinubu refuted claims suggesting the existence of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, stressing that the country remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
In an official statement shared on his X handle, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens regardless of faith and to promoting peace and unity across the nation.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across faiths and regions,” Tinubu added.
The President also condemned international portrayals of Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing such narratives as inaccurate and unrepresentative of the nation’s diversity.
“The characterization of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it consider the sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians,” he stated.
Reiterating that religious tolerance remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s identity, Tinubu said, “Religious freedom and tolerance have always been central to who we are as a people. Nigeria opposes religious persecution in all forms and remains committed to peaceful coexistence.”
He further pledged to continue working with the United States and other international partners to promote mutual understanding and protect communities of all faiths.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen cooperation on protecting communities of all faiths,” Tinubu affirmed.
