Shi’ites reject Trump’s ‘Christain genocide’ claim, say Nigeria’s crisis is political, not religious

The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), led by Ibraheem Zakzaky, has dismissed remarks by former United States President Donald Trump alleging that the Nigerian government is backing “genocide against Christians”.

In a statement on Saturday, Abdullahi Danladi of the movement’s resource forum described the allegations as false, inflammatory, and dangerous.

He stated that the organisation “has always stood firmly for peaceful coexistence, justice, and unity among all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or political leaning”.

Danladi highlighted that Islam and Christianity share significant moral common ground, far more than political actors often admit.

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According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges are “moral and political, not religious”, attributing violence to corruption, greed, and elite manipulation. Citing Zakzaky, he said, “The poor Christian and the poor Muslim have no conflict; their common enemy is the unjust system that enslaves them both.”

The IMN criticised Trump’s claim that “radical Islamists” are responsible for mass killings of Christians in Nigeria, arguing that such rhetoric fuels Western propaganda aimed at dividing Nigerians and justifying foreign interference.

Danladi stressed that both Muslims and Christians have suffered equally from terrorism and banditry, insisting these attacks stem from a failed political system rather than an Islamic war against Christians.

He further condemned what he called “hypocrisy” among Western politicians, accusing them of backing conflicts in Muslim countries while pretending to champion the rights of Christians in Nigeria.

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Labelling Nigerian Muslims as “radical Islamists”, he warned, poses a threat to interfaith harmony. He added that the movement has consistently promoted dialogue and solidarity, noting that IMN members frequently visit churches and host Christian leaders in goodwill efforts.

Danladi urged Nigerians to reject divisive foreign narratives and instead unite against corruption and injustice. “The real war is not between Christians and Muslims; it is between truth and falsehood, justice and corruption, sincerity and deceit,” he said.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace, justice, and national unity, the movement called on citizens to stay vigilant against manipulation and remain united.