The telephone conversation between United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, and President-elect Bola Tinubu has sparked anger and raised concerns within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party. The US Department of State spokesperson, Matthew Miller, confirmed the call took place on Tuesday, coming just a day after the Joe Biden administration announced visa restrictions on Nigerians implicated in election disruptions. While the US government did not disclose the identities of those affected, it cited voter threats, manipulation of results, physical violence, and other actions that undermined democracy.
The PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who is contesting Tinubu’s victory at the tribunal, expressed his disappointment, arguing that Blinken’s assurances of bilateral cooperation contradict the US stance on Nigeria’s general election. He referred to a previous statement issued by the US government on March 2, acknowledging complaints and frustrations about the conduct of the presidential election and the deficiencies in the technical aspects of the process.
Yunusa Tanko, the Chief Spokesman for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, echoed these concerns, finding it troubling that Blinken engaged in discussions regarding bilateral relations with Tinubu. The content of the conversation revealed that Blinken emphasized the importance of inclusive leadership representing all Nigerians, comprehensive security cooperation, and reforms supporting economic growth. The US Secretary of State conveyed his commitment to strengthening the US-Nigeria partnership under the incoming administration of President-elect Tinubu.
In response, Tinubu, through a statement issued by his office, expressed his intention to hit the ground running and unify the country upon assuming office on May 29. He assured Blinken of his dedication to maintaining positive relations with the US and outlined his immediate priorities, which include implementing institutional reforms and development programs that deepen democratic institutions and assist vulnerable Nigerians.
The conversation between Blinken and Tinubu signifies the significance of US-Nigeria relations and the potential impact of Tinubu’s upcoming presidency. However, it has raised eyebrows and caused discontent among the opposition parties. They argue that the US’s previous acknowledgment of election irregularities seems contradictory to the current expression of support for Tinubu. As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how this development will shape future relations between Nigeria and the United States.
President-elect Tinubu Assures US of Commitment to Reforms and Democratic Service
President-elect Bola Tinubu has reassured the United States of his commitment to delivering institutional reforms and development programs aimed at deepening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and providing assistance to the country’s underprivileged population. In a 20-minute phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Tinubu emphasized his determination to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and serve the people faithfully.
During the discussion, Tinubu recalled his time in exile and expressed gratitude for the US granting him asylum while he fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. He reaffirmed his democratic credentials and firmly believed that the election results, which he claimed to have won convincingly, reflected the will of the Nigerian people. Tinubu also urged the US to recognize Nigeria’s important position in Africa and provide necessary support in the areas of security and economic investment, positioning the nation as a shining example for the rest of the continent.
In response, Secretary Blinken assured Tinubu of a good and mutually beneficial relationship between Nigeria and the US. He pledged to play his part in maintaining a cordial relationship, highlighting the significance of a democratic and peaceful Nigeria to both the United States and Africa. Both parties concluded the conversation with warm greetings and a commitment to keeping channels of dialogue and communication open, while nurturing a strong relationship between the two nations.
However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed disbelief on Twitter regarding Secretary Blinken’s engagement with Tinubu. Abubakar questioned how the US’s top diplomat could legitimize what he referred to as the fraudulent election held on February 25. He found it inconceivable that the United States, as a champion of democracy, would give credibility to an election widely recognized as fraudulent, expressing concerns about the impact on citizens who have placed their trust in democracy and the integrity of the electoral process.
In a similar vein, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, cautioned Tinubu against being carried away by a mere phone call from a US official. Osadolor argued that the call did not constitute an endorsement of Tinubu’s contested victory. He suggested that the US government was primarily focused on maintaining a strong relationship with Nigeria due to its strategic importance as Africa’s powerhouse, considering the economic, military, and technological challenges posed by other global powers. Osadolor further implied that Tinubu’s victory could potentially be nullified by the court.
‘Concerns Raised over Bilateral Discussion’
Expressing concern over recent statements, Tank criticized Blinken, stating, “It is troubling to hear them discussing bilateral talks while the issue of election integrity is being challenged in court.”
The spokesperson clarified that the discussion on bilateral relations should not be interpreted as an endorsement.
They explained, “We are aware that the statement was issued by individuals associated with Nigeria’s controversial electoral system. We do not consider such a statement as an endorsement. Instead, we view it as a cautionary reminder to await the judiciary’s decision based on the evidence presented.”
However, the All Progressives Congress (APC) welcomed the interaction between Tinubu and Blinken, seeing it as a positive development.
Bala Ibrahim, the Director of Publicity for the APC, spoke to our correspondent and suggested that those criticizing the US action needed a better understanding of ‘democracy’ and ‘bilateral relationship.’
He stated, “These individuals seem to misunderstand the essence of democracy. They should also familiarize themselves with the concept of bilateral relationships. Once an election has taken place, and a competent authority is responsible for determining the outcome, that pronouncement remains valid until challenged and overturned by a court of law.”
He continued, “We are not saying that people cannot challenge election results in court. However, one cannot invalidate the announcement made by the electoral authority simply because some are disputing the outcome. The law presumes innocence until proven otherwise, and the burden of proof lies with the accuser to demonstrate wrongdoing or the invalidity of the results.”
“While the legal process is ongoing, it does not hinder countries from maintaining bilateral relationships. Each country is a sovereign entity that cannot be dictated to by individuals who have contested and lost elections. They should accept the outcome, allow the legal process to proceed, and focus on their own recovery. Diplomacy and diplomatic relationships are not subject to their personal wishes.”
“There is nothing inappropriate about Blinken contacting the president-elect. It is completely in line with democratic principles. As the world’s largest democracy and a nation with extensive democratic experience, the United States understands this better than anyone else. The implications and significance of Blinken’s call to the president-elect are clear. There is nothing undemocratic or negative about it.”
In an exclusive conversation with one of our correspondents, Tinubu’s media officer, Tunde Rahman, affirmed that the endorsement of the incoming administration by both countries had never been in doubt.
“The United States was among the first countries to acknowledge His Excellency Asíwájú Tinubu’s victory, recognizing that the competitive election represents a new era in Nigeria’s history and democracy. This was stated by the State Department Spokesman, Ned Price, on March 1.”
“And, of course, you should be aware of a recent letter from UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressing his willingness and excitement to work with President-elect Tinubu and extending an invitation to him for the Africa-UK Investment Summit next year,” he added.
Regarding the implications of the phone call for Nigeria in the context of US policy in Africa, the media officer emphasized the potential benefits of a strong relationship between both countries.
He explained, “What does the phone call signify? It demonstrates that the US understands and recognizes Nigeria’s significant role in Africa and the world. President-elect Tinubu and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have committed to fostering a mutually beneficial partnership and relationship.”
“They discussed their shared values in terms of democracy and diversity and agreed to collaborate in these areas. Secretary Blinken highlighted the importance of inclusive governance, which aligns with President-elect Tinubu’s principles.”
Sultan Urges Nigerians to Support Incoming Government’s Success
In a recent roundtable engagement with traditional and religious rulers in Abuja, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Abubakar, expressed his belief that nothing would hinder the inauguration of Bola Tinubu on May 29 as Nigeria’s new leader. The Sultan called upon Nigerians to pray for the success of the incoming administration in steering the country’s affairs.
During the event organized by the World Bank, which aimed to address human capital development and girl child education in Nigeria, the Sultan stressed the importance of continuing the advocacy against child marriage and other barriers to girls’ growth within local communities. He emphasized the inevitability of the upcoming change in government and questioned how everyone can contribute to stabilizing the nation apart from offering prayers.
The Sultan highlighted the significance of unity among religious and traditional leaders to work together for the betterment of Nigeria. He urged for equity and justice in all actions taken, emphasizing the need for these leaders to prioritize discussions on these important matters.
With the impending transfer of power to the new government, the Sultan acknowledged the opportunity to collaborate as one large family, united under the shared goal of improving the country. He stressed that despite diverse backgrounds and affiliations, the ultimate allegiance should be to Nigeria. As religious leaders, he believed they should champion fairness and justice in all endeavors, making it a key focus for discussion.
The Sultan’s message resonates with the impending change in leadership and calls for collective responsibility to support the incoming government. He emphasized the power of unity among religious and traditional leaders to foster positive change and progress in Nigeria. The Sultan’s words serve as a reminder that prayers alone are not enough and that active participation and collaboration are essential in assisting the government to stabilize and move the country forward.
As the new government takes office, the Sultan’s call for equity and justice remains crucial, urging leaders to ensure fairness in their decision-making processes. By addressing these fundamental issues, it is hoped that the incoming administration will effectively tackle the challenges facing the nation and work towards creating a more prosperous and inclusive Nigeria.