Atiku Slams Tinubu After Trump Snubs Nigeria in Invite to 5 African Nations
In a scathing statement that has ignited political circles across Nigeria, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a fierce attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — following Nigeria’s exclusion from a special invitation by former U.S. President Donald Trump to five African nations.
Trump, who is reportedly preparing for a potential return to the White House, has extended invitations to the leaders of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal for a summit scheduled at the White House on July 9, 2025. Noticeably absent from the list? Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria.
Atiku wasted no time in calling this not just a diplomatic blunder, but a national embarrassment. According to his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, the omission is a “diplomatic downgrade” that shows just how far Nigeria has fallen under Tinubu’s leadership.
“This Is Not a Mistake; It’s a Statement.”
Atiku did not mince words, describing the Trump snub as deliberate and indicative of how Nigeria’s influence has withered on the global stage. He noted that Nigeria, once seen as Africa’s powerhouse, is now “a diplomatic ghost.”
“Nigeria had an economy worth over $500 billion. It was the pride of Africa. But today, smaller West African nations are being prioritized on the global stage while Nigeria is invisible. This is not a coincidence. It’s a reflection of failed leadership,” he stated.
ECOWAS Crumbling Under Tinubu’s Watch
The former vice president also pointed to the weakening of ECOWAS, the regional bloc Nigeria traditionally leads. Under Tinubu’s tenure as ECOWAS chairman, the bloc has shrunk from 15 to 12 member states, with countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso pulling out and forming alternative alliances.
“Tinubu’s leadership has seen Nigeria’s regional dominance erode. ECOWAS is falling apart, foreign direct investment is at a low, and our diplomats are lounging in the Caribbean while we sink into irrelevance,” Atiku’s statement continued.
Debunking Rumors of a “Chagoury Connection”
Some had speculated that Gilbert Chagoury, a Nigerian-Lebanese businessman known for his connections in global politics, may have failed to broker Nigeria’s inclusion in Trump’s plans. Atiku dismissed these claims, stating:
“Let’s be clear: Gilbert Chagoury is not Trump’s ally. The exclusion of Nigeria is not about connections; it’s about reputation and perception. Nigeria no longer holds the respect it once did.”
What This Means for Nigeria
This diplomatic slight has exposed what many critics have long feared: Nigeria’s standing in international politics is rapidly deteriorating. Once known as the “Giant of Africa,” Nigeria now finds itself excluded from key conversations, even when they happen within its own neighborhood.
A Political Warning for 2027?
While this incident is international in scope, its political implications are domestic. Atiku, who is expected to contest again in the 2027 presidential election, is positioning himself as the candidate who can restore Nigeria’s global respect.
By framing Tinubu’s foreign policy as weak and directionless, Atiku is appealing to Nigerians’ sense of national pride and the urgent need for diplomatic redemption.
conclusion
Trump’s invitation list may be just a piece of paper, but for Nigeria, its absence from it speaks volumes. As the world continues to pivot toward Africa for trade, tech, and diplomacy, the Giant of Africa cannot afford to be a spectator.
Atiku’s sharp criticism may just be the wake-up call Nigeria needs.
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