Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has dismissed claims that a recent letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu amounts to an endorsement of the Nigerian leader or his administration. Frank described the correspondence as a routine diplomatic communication focused on security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States rather than political support.
The Presidency had earlier announced that Trump wrote to Tinubu, commending what it described as his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people” and reaffirming US support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism. According to the Presidency, the letter highlighted ongoing defence cooperation, including the deployment of US Special Operations Forces to support the training of Nigerian troops.
Reacting in a statement issued in Abuja, Frank argued that such diplomatic exchanges are common between countries working together on mutual interests and should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Tinubu’s leadership, economic policies or future political ambitions. He maintained that the letter merely acknowledged Nigeria’s partnership with the United States in tackling insecurity.
Frank also challenged the Presidency to make the full letter public, insisting that Nigerians should be allowed to examine its contents themselves. He further questioned the authenticity of the document as presented, saying any official correspondence from the US President should bear the White House seal and the President’s signature.
According to Frank, credibility and public confidence cannot be earned through diplomatic correspondence or publicity campaigns but through transparent governance, accountability and respect for democratic institutions. He urged Nigerians not to confuse international cooperation on security matters with political endorsement, stressing that the United States has consistently supported democratic values and election integrity rather than individual political leaders.
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