China has issued a warning to the United States over what it described as interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, reacting to reported comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump threatening possible military action.

Beijing reaffirmed its backing for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the country as a “comprehensive strategic partner.”

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the Asian nation “firmly opposes” the use of religion and human rights as excuses to intrude into other countries’ internal matters or to impose sanctions and coercive measures.

Responding to inquiries regarding Trump’s alleged warning of military intervention in Nigeria over claims of Christian persecution, Mao stressed China’s support for Nigeria’s sovereignty and development path.

“As Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on the development path suited to its national conditions,” she said.

“China also firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs or to threaten them with sanctions and force.”

Nigeria’s presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, shared China’s statement on his X account on Tuesday, reiterating that the Tinubu administration does not tolerate religious persecution or discrimination in the country.

United States President Donald Trump placed Nigeria on a watchlist after watching a Fox News segment alleging widespread persecution of Christians in the country, according to a CNN report.

On Friday, Trump redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” in response to claims of targeted attacks on Christians.

“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” he wrote on Truth Social, blaming radical Islamists for the “mass slaughter”.

“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN’,” he declared.

According to CNN, Trump was aboard ‘Air Force One’ en route to Florida when he saw the broadcast and reacted swiftly. The report said the president began posting on Truth Social shortly after landing in West Palm Beach.

The US leader reportedly remained focused on the situation throughout the weekend and instructed his defence secretary to “prepare for possible action”.

He also warned that US troops would enter Nigeria “guns-a-blazing” to protect Christians in the country.

CNN quoted a White House official as saying Trump had “been tracking this issue previously and had already begun thinking about Truthing it out”.

The report added that senior US government sources believe the president’s threats may be intended to “see how Nigeria responds”.

Following his announcement, personnel within the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) were said to have been urgently recalled to headquarters to review possible response options.

A small group of AFRICOM officials based in Germany were also summoned to discuss potential strategies.

A source cited by CNN described Trump’s comments as reflective of frustration over key policy issues being announced through social media without prior planning.

Nigeria’s federal government has consistently denied accusations of “Christian genocide” in the country, pushing back against similar US claims in the past.

The Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, over his remarks on the recent decision by the United States to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern”.

On Monday, Obi said the US declaration, which signalled the possibility of military action, highlighted the severity of Nigeria’s escalating security crisis.

The former Anambra governor also faulted the APC-led federal government, accusing it of “lacking the competence and moral will” to lead the country towards peace and justice.

Reacting on Tuesday, Seye Oladejo, spokesperson of the Lagos APC, accused Obi of “turning a sensitive national matter into political theatre” instead of showing leadership.

Oladejo stated that Obi’s reaction was “too late and too shallow”, alleging that public criticism forced him to comment rather than patriotic concern.

“For a man always chasing microphones and hashtags, his sudden silence was deafening until Nigerians began to question it,” he said in a statement.

“It is clear that Obi did not speak out of national concern but out of fear of being exposed for his double standards. His reaction lacked sincerity, urgency, and any semblance of unifying spirit.”

The APC argued that true leaders stand with their country in difficult times, saying Obi’s conduct reflected “melodrama, not maturity”.

“A man who claims to seek national leadership should not need public reminders before defending his country,” Oladejo said.

“Leadership is proactive, not reactive — and certainly not driven by online agitation.”

He accused Obi of taking advantage of Nigeria’s challenges for political gain, saying the former governor “appears happy only when the country faces difficulties”.

“Real leaders balance criticism with dignity and patriotism. But Obi thrives politically when Nigeria struggles,” he said.

“That is not patriotism; it’s politics of bitterness born from electoral heartbreak.”

Oladejo defended President Bola Tinubu’s efforts on security, saying the current administration inherited the problems but is acting decisively to address them.

“President Tinubu is confronting insecurity with courage and strategy — strengthening the military, deploying modern technology, and rebuilding regional alliances,” he said.

“While serious leaders are working, Obi and his online choir are stuck in 2023, feeding off foreign commentary for political oxygen.”

The APC challenged Obi to “choose between standing with Nigeria or clinging to resentment”.

“No serious nation is built on sulking and sensationalism,” Oladejo said.

“Obi’s behaviour shows why Nigerians rejected him. Leadership demands maturity, not melodrama and delayed outrage.”

He added that Nigeria’s progress would not be determined by “those praying for its failure”.

“Nigeria will rise, with or without the naysayers,” he said.

“We urge citizens to stay focused on the Renewed Hope agenda and ignore those who profit politically from national difficulty.”