The Presidency has announced that U.S. President Donald Trump wrote to commend President Bola Tinubu’s “decisive leadership,” but former APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank, insists the letter should be seen as routine diplomacy rather than political endorsement.
According to Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, Trump disclosed in the letter that U.S. Special Operations Forces, including Navy SEAL Team 6, had been deployed to train and support Nigeria’s military in counter-terrorism efforts.
Reacting in Abuja, Frank argued that such correspondence is standard in international relations and should not be misinterpreted. “The letter only commended Nigeria for partnering with the United States in addressing insecurity. It was not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, his economic policies or his administration,” he said.
Frank stressed that the document did not suggest U.S. backing for Tinubu in any election. He recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari had met Trump at the White House, describing such bilateral engagements as normal diplomatic milestones.
He further noted that the United States has consistently emphasized democracy, rule of law, electoral integrity and human rights. “Credibility and integrity cannot be conferred by a letter or diplomatic exchange,” Frank added, saying they must be earned through transparency, accountability and respect for institutions.
Frank urged the Presidency to publish the letter, reportedly dated July 6, so Nigerians can assess its contents within the proper diplomatic context.