Ted Cruz alleges Tinubu govt pays US lobbyists amid Christian persecution claims

Senator Ted Cruz alleged Wednesday that Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu is spending resources on American lobbyists while ignoring Christian persecution in Nigeria, according to News Tinubu. Cruz claimed Nigerian officials are waging a PR campaign against critics instead of addressing US concerns about violence against Christians and religious minorities, which he says is enabled by blasphemy and Sharia laws. He referenced his proposed 'Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act, 2025' that would sanction officials facilitating Christian persecution, and claimed President Trump has ordered military action against those responsible.

This matters to Nigerians as it highlights escalating tensions in Nigeria-US relations over religious freedom issues, with potential sanctions or military action threatened by US lawmakers. The allegations come amid ongoing concerns about sectarian violence in Nigeria's Middle Belt and claims that state governments enable impunity for attacks on Christians. If true, lobbying efforts could indicate government prioritization of international image over addressing root causes of conflict, affecting foreign aid, investment, and diaspora relations.

However, the Nigerian government has not responded to these specific allegations, and Cruz's claims about Trump ordering military action remain unverified. His accountability bill targets officials accused of facilitating murder of Christians, but no specific Nigerian officials have been named under this proposed legislation. Nigerians should monitor official responses from Tinubu's administration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for clarification on lobbying expenditures and religious freedom commitments, particularly as these claims could influence US policy decisions affecting Nigeria.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/07/23/tinubu-busy-paying-american-lobbyists-us-lawmaker-ted-cruz-claims/