Abuja, Nigeria — November 4, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
The President of Nigeria’s Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has clarified his position following a controversial statement attributed to him on U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat of possible military action in Nigeria. The Senate leader denied making the remarks and emphasised that he did not give any authority for military intervention without full constitutional processes.
In a strongly-worded press release issued today, Akpabio said:
“I have not held any conversation which commits the Nigerian legislature to abandon its constitutional duties. I did not say ‘who am I to answer President Trump’ as reported. If any such remark is attributed to me, it is false.”
The clarification follows widespread media interest after comments published in some outlets suggesting the Senate leader was deferring to foreign military directives rather than emphasising Nigeria’s sovereign role in security decisions. The remarks were interpreted by many analysts as lowering the status of Nigeria’s parliament in national security affairs.
Akpabio described the misattributed comments as “a distortion of my views and a misrepresentation of the Senate’s role in oversight of all national security matters.” He reaffirmed that the National Assembly retains exclusive power under the Nigerian Constitution to approve the deployment of Nigerian forces abroad or to allow foreign military activities on Nigerian soil.
The Senate President also reiterated his commitment to supporting Nigeria’s security agencies but stressed that any decisions must be taken within democratic norms and legislative scrutiny. He added:
“The legislature must not be seen as deferring to external powers in matters of national defence. Our position is clear — Nigeria’s sovereignty and rule-of-law must prevail.”
The clarification is set against a backdrop of rising tension between Nigeria and the U.S., following President Trump’s declaration that military action could follow unless Nigeria halts attacks on Christian communities. The Senate reaction indicates that Nigeria’s legislative branch is keen to assert its oversight role and prevent external or executive bypass of constitutional safeguards.
Legal experts note that this public statement may serve to reassure international observers, religious-rights groups and regional partners that Nigeria is maintaining internal checks and balancing external pressure. However, questions remain about how the Senate will legislate or oversee any future security agreement with foreign powers.
As the matter progresses, attention will turn to whether the National Assembly will call hearings, issue resolutions, or take formal positions on Nigeria’s response to foreign pressure, internal security reform, and protection of religious minorities.