Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has rejected claims that a recent letter from United States President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu amounted to an endorsement of the Nigerian leader, insisting it was simply a routine diplomatic communication focused on security cooperation.
The Presidency had announced that President Trump 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 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 on Thursday, Timi Frank argued that the letter should not be interpreted as political support for Tinubu or his administration.
“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 further stressed that the correspondence did not indicate that the Trump administration was backing Tinubu politically.
“It did not say the Trump administration is backing President Tinubu or supporting him for any election in Nigeria,” he added.
Frank explained that diplomatic exchanges between countries pursuing common security interests are normal and should not be mistaken for endorsements of political leaders.
He also noted that reports suggested the letter was dated July 6 but only became public weeks later, saying its release would allow Nigerians to assess its actual contents.
The former APC spokesman recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari had met Trump at the White House during his first term in office, describing such face-to-face engagements as more significant diplomatic milestones than routine letters.
According to Frank, the United States has consistently maintained its support for democracy, the rule of law, credible elections 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 also argued that genuine political legitimacy cannot be earned through diplomatic correspondence.
“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 stated.
He called on the Tinubu administration to release the full contents of the reported letter, saying Nigerians deserve the opportunity to read it and understand its true diplomatic context.
