Trump’s Letter Not Endorsement Of Tinubu, Says Timi Frank

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has dismissed claims that a letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu amounted to an endorsement of the Nigerian leader, describing it as a routine diplomatic communication centred on security cooperation.

The Presidency had announced on Wednesday that Trump personally wrote to Tinubu, commending what it described as his “decisive leadership on behalf of the Nigerian people.”

According to a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump disclosed in the letter that the United States had deployed Special Operations Forces, including the elite Navy SEAL Team 6, to train and support Nigerian troops in the fight against terrorism.

However, reacting in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Frank argued that the correspondence should not be interpreted as political backing for Tinubu or his administration.

He maintained that the letter merely acknowledged Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States in tackling insecurity.

“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,” Frank said.

He added, “It did not say the Trump administration is backing President Tinubu or supporting him for any election in Nigeria.”

Frank said diplomatic exchanges of this nature are common between countries pursuing shared interests, particularly in the area of security, and should not be misconstrued as expressions of political support.

He also observed that reports indicated the letter was dated July 6 but only made public weeks later, adding that its release would enable Nigerians to properly assess its contents.

The former APC spokesman recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari met Trump at the White House during the latter’s first term, describing such high-level engagements as more significant diplomatic milestones than routine correspondence.

According to him, the United States has consistently maintained its commitment to democracy, the rule of law, electoral integrity and the protection of 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,” he said.

Frank further argued that political legitimacy and public confidence cannot be earned through diplomatic letters.

He said, “Credibility and integrity cannot be conferred by a letter or diplomatic exchange. They must be earned through transparent leadership, accountability, respect for democratic institutions and faithful service to the people.”

He urged the Tinubu administration to make the reported letter public, insisting that Nigerians should be allowed to examine it and understand its true diplomatic context.