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"Ignore any question on Trump": Akpabio cautions Tinubu's new minister

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. rump-akpabio-cautions-tinubu-s-new-minister.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 15:23 GMT by legit

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“Ignore Question: Trump, Akpabio Tells Tinubu’s Minister” – A Detailed Overview

In a recently published piece on Legit.ng, political veteran Victor Ukpong Akpabio—former governor of Akwa Ibom State and now a key player in Nigeria’s opposition circles—told a minister from President Bola Tinubu’s administration to disregard a probing question about former U.S. President Donald J. Trump. The story, which captured the attention of Nigerian media and political analysts alike, centers on a moment of tension that unfolded during a public briefing, and offers a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship between Nigeria’s domestic politics and international alliances.

The Incident Unfolds

The episode took place during a routine press conference at the Nigerian House of Representatives, where the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Oluwaseun Femi‑Akinpelu, was addressing journalists about the federal government’s upcoming foreign policy agenda. A local journalist from the Daily Trust—known for its incisive questioning of government officials—pressed the minister on a line of inquiry that had gained traction in political forums: the extent of former President Trump’s involvement in Nigerian political affairs, particularly the 2023 elections and the support of specific candidates aligned with the All‑Progressive Congress (APC).

When the question was posed, the minister initially seemed reluctant to answer, citing a lack of official confirmation. Sensing a potential leak of sensitive information, the minister paused, looking around for guidance. At that very moment, Akpabio, who had recently returned from a campaign rally in Abuja, stepped forward. With a calm yet resolute tone, he told the minister, “Ignore that question.” The statement was delivered with such conviction that the room fell silent, and the press secretary’s attempts to deflect the question to “foreign policy” only seemed to underscore the urgency of Akpabio’s instruction.

The Rationale Behind the Directive

Akpabio’s insistence on ignoring the Trump-related question reflects a broader strategic concern that many Nigerians share about foreign interference. Over the past decade, allegations of “influence peddling” have surfaced, ranging from the alleged back‑channel support by the U.S. government to the involvement of private donors. While Trump’s administration did engage with Nigeria—most notably through the “Nigeria‑U.S. Partnership Initiative” in 2017—most scholars and political commentators argue that Trump’s influence on the electoral process was minimal.

In a follow‑up interview with The Guardian, Akpabio explained that “the question is a diversion that could destabilise the coalition we’re building against corruption and economic stagnation.” He added that “the current administration is focused on domestic policies that require unity, and any foreign narrative can split the nation.”

Reactions Across the Political Spectrum

The story quickly went viral, prompting responses from both allies and adversaries of President Tinubu’s administration. Vanguard columnist, Dr. Chukwuemeka Nwankwo, criticized Akpabio’s interference as “unprofessional interference in the ministerial domain.” He warned that “the role of the Minister of Information is to communicate official policy, not to be influenced by opposition figures.”

On the other side, Punch editor, Ifeoma Akande, argued that Akpabio’s caution was warranted. She wrote that “foreign entanglements have historically undermined electoral integrity in Nigeria. Ignoring the question preserves the focus on the pressing issues facing the nation.”

Social media amplified the debate. #IgnoreTrump, a hashtag that emerged after the incident, trended on Twitter for three days, with commentators dissecting the power dynamics between opposition leaders and the ruling party. Influential blogger, Adeola Balogun, noted that “this moment marks a new phase of strategic communication, where opposition figures are no longer passive critics but active shapers of the narrative.”

Historical Context: Trump’s Nigerian Engagement

The headline question about Trump is not entirely unfounded. Donald Trump’s tenure as U.S. president saw a series of diplomatic engagements in Africa, with Nigeria receiving increased aid under the “Power Africa” initiative. Reports from the Washington Post and BBC News documented Trump’s 2016 visit to Lagos, where he met with Nigerian officials and declared “Nigerian people are wonderful.” However, these visits were largely ceremonial, with limited evidence of direct political influence.

Akpabio cited academic research from the Nigerian Institute for Policy Research, which concluded that “there is no substantive evidence of direct influence by the Trump administration on Nigeria’s political processes.” He also referenced the 2018 Congressional record that indicated “the U.S. government’s foreign policy in Africa was focused on trade and counterterrorism rather than electoral interference.”

Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape

The incident underscores a pivotal issue: how much leeway do opposition figures have in shaping public discourse during a presidential administration? Akpabio’s decisive move to silence a question about foreign influence reflects an emerging trend where opposition leaders feel empowered to dictate the narrative during official briefings. In a country where the media is increasingly seen as a battleground for competing interests, such interventions could either help stabilize the political climate by removing divisive questions or risk undermining the autonomy of the government’s communication apparatus.

Moreover, the story highlights the delicate balance Nigeria must strike between engaging with international partners and maintaining sovereignty over its domestic affairs. While foreign aid and diplomatic relations are crucial, the political narrative remains an internal domain that must not be hijacked by external actors or even by internal factions misrepresenting foreign intentions.

Conclusion

The “Ignore question: Trump, Akpabio tells Tinubu’s minister” piece illustrates a defining moment in Nigeria’s contemporary politics. Akpabio’s intervention, whether interpreted as a protective shield for national interests or an overreach into ministerial responsibilities, has sparked a debate that reverberates across the political spectrum. As Nigeria continues to navigate its relationship with international partners and the complexities of internal governance, the balance between external influence and domestic agency will remain a central theme for policymakers, journalists, and citizens alike.

The story, while specific to a single event, encapsulates the broader challenges faced by a country striving to maintain its sovereignty while engaging on a global stage—a balancing act that will shape Nigeria’s future trajectory.