Former Governor of Zamfara State and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari, has delivered a powerful rebuke to Nigerians appealing to former U.S. President Donald Trump for help with the nation's escalating security challenges.
"Trump Has No Business in Nigeria": A Call for Self-Reliance
Speaking forcefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, in Abuja, Yari declared that no foreign leader, including Trump, holds the solution to Nigeria's deep-seated issues. The event was the official flag-off of the One Nigeria Project, organized by the National Association of Former Local Government Council Chairmen (NALGON).
Yari described the growing trend of citizens tagging Trump on social media and calling for his intervention as both misguided and dangerous. He argued it reflects a troubling loss of confidence in domestic leadership. "Stop calling on Trump. Trump has no business in Nigeria," Yari stated emphatically. "He cannot solve Nigeria's problems. The problems of Nigeria will be solved by Nigerians."
Political Elite Must Put Nigeria First, Says Yari
The lawmaker turned his criticism towards the nation's political class, whom he accused of failing to prioritize national unity and interests. He lamented that while Nigeria's political elite number less than two million, their actions and disunity have significantly weakened the country.
"Why do elites not love their country? If Nigeria goes down today, do you have another country?" Yari questioned. He contrasted this with what he observed as the consistent patriotism of Americans. To underscore his point, Yari revealed he holds only a Nigerian passport, unlike many elites who possess multiple passports and "have somewhere else to run to."
His central message was a call for collective responsibility: "This country, it is high time we come together and put the interest of Nigeria first... We have no other place to call our own."
Strengthening Local Governance as a Solution
Moving beyond criticism, Yari proposed a concrete path forward. He called for increased funding and autonomy for local government administrations. He emphasized that these councils, being closest to the grassroots, are essential in effectively addressing the roots of insecurity.
His position found support from other dignitaries at the event. Former Minister of Justice, Micheal Aondoakaa, agreed that insecurity is solvable if governments empower local leaders who understand community dynamics. Similarly, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, urged citizens to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration and avoid divisive sentiments.
The NALGON Chairman Emeritus, Alhaji Shaba Ibrahim, explained that the One Nigeria Project was conceived to counter the threats of divisive politics and restore a sense of national unity.
The event concluded with a clear consensus: Nigeria's security and unity are internal responsibilities that require domestic willpower and robust local governance, not appeals to foreign figures.
