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Former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, has dismissed claims that a letter from US President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu amounts to an endorsement of the Nigerian government.
The Presidency announced on Wednesday that Trump wrote to Tinubu, praising what he called his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.”
In a statement signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the US President was also said to have disclosed that he deployed US Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigeria’s military in the fight against terrorism.
Reacting in Abuja on Thursday, Frank said such diplomatic communication should not be interpreted as political backing.
“The letter only commended Nigeria for partnering with the United States in addressing insecurity. That is the only reason President Trump may have written it. It was not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, his economic policies or his administration,” he stated.
“It did not say the Trump administration is backing President Tinubu or supporting him for any election in Nigeria.”
Frank argued that letters between governments on areas of mutual interest, especially security cooperation, are routine in diplomacy.
He also noted that the letter was reportedly dated July 6 but was made public weeks later, adding that releasing it fully would help Nigerians understand the context.
The former APC spokesman recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari also met Trump at the White House during his first term, describing such engagements as normal diplomatic milestones.
He stressed that the US has consistently supported democracy, rule of law, credible elections and human rights in Nigeria.
“The United States remains committed to supporting efforts to address insecurity, protect election integrity and promote democratic values in Nigeria. That should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the Tinubu administration,” Frank said.
According to him, credibility “cannot be conferred by a letter or diplomatic exchange” but must be earned through “transparent leadership, accountability, respect for democratic institutions and faithful service to the people.”
Frank urged the Tinubu administration to make the full letter public so Nigerians can assess it within its proper diplomatic context.
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