A former campaign director of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, has alleged that Nigeria is no longer governed by its elected leadership, but by external powers.
She made the remarks in an interview with Arewa Source, where she expressed deep concern over what she described as growing foreign influence in the country’s affairs.
Warning Over Nigeria’s Sovereignty
Naja’atu said recent developments suggest Nigeria is gradually losing control of its internal affairs.
According to her, the country is sliding back into a “colonial-style” situation where key decisions are being shaped by outsiders rather than national leadership.
“It is only God that will continue to protect Nigeria and Nigerians. I have said this before and I will say it again, they have brought back the colonisation era that Nigeria and its people will not have freedom anymore.”
She said Nigerians are now living in uncertainty, stressing that only divine intervention can protect the nation and its people.
Comparison With West African Neighbours
The Kano-based politician contrasted Nigeria’s situation with countries like Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
She noted that these countries firmly rejected foreign interference, while Nigeria, in her view, continues to rely on it due to what she described as weak leadership.
“Niger Republic, Mali and Burkina Faso all resisted and chased foreign intervention in their country, saying they are tired of foreign influence and will not allow them to be decolonised. But because of how bad Nigeria and its leaders have become they are still calling for foreign intervention.”
Historical Perspective
Referencing Nigeria’s political past since independence in 1960, Naja’atu argued that the country has never opened its doors to foreign military involvement to this extent.
She insisted that what is unfolding under President Tinubu is unprecedented and signals a troubling shift.
“Since Nigeria got its Independence in 1960, it has never accepted military intervention from a foreign country to intervene in an insurrection, but this could only happen in the regime of President Bola Tinubu.”
Bold Allegation of ‘Foreign Leadership’
In one of her strongest statements, she claimed that President Tinubu is no longer in full control of the country, alleging that effective leadership has shifted to U.S. President Donald Trump and other Western powers.
She warned that Nigeria has, in her words, been “recolonised,” accusing foreign interests of influencing national governance and economic decisions.
“The only thing left for Nigeria now to say is ‘Inna Li Lahi Wa Inna Illaahi Rajiun’, i.e. things have gone from bad to worse. Now Nigerians have lost their country to foreign countries. It is not Tinubu that is ruling Nigeria anymore, it is Donald Trump.”
“We have now been recolonised by Western Powers, Tinubu is no longer the President, Donald Trump is the new President of Nigeria.”
Concerns Over Economy and Tax Policies
Naja’atu also linked foreign involvement to Nigeria’s economic direction, accusing external actors of dictating new policies and tax regulations.
She described Nigeria as being treated like a business venture by outside forces.
“Even our taxes will now be going to France, our country is now a business, the new tax law is full of foreign influence and we will not accept this.”
Context: U.S. Airstrikes in Sokoto
Her comments come days after the United States carried out airstrikes on Islamic State-linked militant camps in Sokoto State in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
The operation, authorised by both President Tinubu and U.S. President Donald Trump, targeted extremist fighters and was part of ongoing counterterror cooperation between both countries.
Defence officials said the strikes used precision-guided weapons, supported by Nigerian intelligence.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry maintained that the operation was strictly against militants and not civilians.
Impact on Residents
Residents in parts of Sokoto reported panic and shaken communities following the explosions, as missiles hit suspected terrorist locations.
However, there have been no confirmed reports of civilian casualties.