A wave of backlash has erupted across Nigerian social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter) , as citizens criticize President Bola Ah...
A wave of backlash has erupted across Nigerian social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), as citizens criticize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for allegedly dragging Nigeria into the escalating crisis between Iran and Israel.
Using hashtags like #NotOurWar, #FocusOnNigeria, and #TinubuStayOut, thousands of Nigerians have voiced their frustration, warning the government against taking sides in a volatile foreign conflict while pressing domestic issues like insecurity, poverty, and inflation continue to worsen.
The online uproar intensified following reports of Nigeria’s diplomatic alignment with Western allies after the U.S.-led airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and President Tinubu’s recent statements perceived as favoring Israel.
“We have no nuclear weapons, no dog in this fight. Why should we bear the consequences of someone else’s war?” a popular post read, amassing over 100,000 views in hours.
In a surprising twist, Iranian officials responded directly on X, cautioning countries “far removed from the battlefield” to maintain neutrality and “not allow their sovereignty to be used as tools for Western propaganda.”
Though the post did not mention Nigeria by name, many users interpreted it as a thinly veiled warning to the Nigerian government, further fueling online outrage.
“Iran just replied us on Twitter. Nigeria, look what you’ve done,” a user wrote, sharing a screenshot of Iran’s tweet.
As diplomatic tensions rise, opposition figures and civil society groups have joined the conversation, calling on the National Assembly to demand clarity from the Presidency regarding Nigeria’s stance in the Middle East conflict.
Meanwhile, presidential aides have downplayed the uproar, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to peace and is only advocating for de-escalation through international diplomacy.
Still, many Nigerians remain unconvinced, warning that any misstep could endanger the country’s citizens at home and abroad.
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