By Tekena Amieyeofori
Former All Progressives Congress, APC, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Timi Frank, has asked the Presidency to make public the reported “endorsement” letter from the U.S. President Donald Trump. He said the government should stop presenting what he described as a normal diplomatic note as proof that the Trump administration endorses President Bola Tinubu and his policies.
In a statement released on Thursday, Frank argued that any authentic communication from the U.S. President must carry the White House seal and Trump’s signature.
The former APC stalwart noted that the letter being branded as a political endorsement of Tinubu’s government merely acknowledges Nigeria’s collaboration with the U.S. on security.
“The letter is not from the White House. If it doesn’t have the White House seal and the signature of the President of the United States, it appears dubious at best,” Frank said.
He insisted that even if the letter is real, it should not be interpreted as approval of the Tinubu’s administration’s policies.
“The letter only commended Nigeria for partnering with the United States in addressing insecurity. That is the only reason President Trump may have written it. It was not an endorsement of President Tinubu’s leadership, his economic policies or his administration. It did not say the Trump administration is backing President Tinubu or supporting him for any election in Nigeria. The Presidency is only trying to change the narrative by presenting it as something more than it is,” he said.
Frank pointed out that the letter was said to be dated July 6 but only became public weeks later. In his view, if it were a major political endorsement from Trump, it would have been released right away.
He described such exchanges as routine diplomatic practice. He noted that countries that work with the U.S. on security and strategic issues often get letters of commendation, and that this should not be confused with political support.
“By celebrating this ‘letter’, the government is showing that it is looking for legitimacy and credibility before the international community. If it had confidence in its credibility, it would not make so much of an ordinary diplomatic letter,” he stated.
The former APC spokesperson also referenced the White House visit granted to former President Muhammadu Buhari during Trump’s first term, saying that it carried more diplomatic weight than a letter.
“President Trump invited Buhari when he was President. They stood together and addressed the world. If Tinubu believes President Trump is impressed with his administration, then he should visit Trump and stand side by side with him so the world can hear directly what he has achieved,” he said.
Frank further questioned reports that the Federal Government hired U.S. lobbyists for millions of dollars to boost its international image, adding that a government with real global credibility would not need that.
He also said the U.S. has consistently positioned itself as a promoter of democracy, credible elections, rule of law, and human rights.
“The United States will never support a government that is corrupt, cannot protect the lives of its citizens, or is tyrannical. America will always stand for democracy, election integrity and the protection of lives. Nigerians should not be deceived by the celebration of this ‘letter’. The United States remains committed to supporting efforts to address insecurity, protect election integrity and promote democratic values in Nigeria. That should not be mistaken for an endorsement of the Tinubu administration,” he said.
Frank maintained that questions around the release of court documents relating to President Tinubu’s alleged past drug-related case are still in the public interest and should not be buried under what he called efforts to gain political mileage from a routine diplomatic exchange.
He called on the Tinubu administration to publish the purported letter said to have been signed by President Trump.
“Ultimately, credibility and integrity cannot be conferred by a letter, a diplomatic exchange or a public relations campaign. They are earned through transparent leadership, accountability, respect for democratic institutions and faithful service to the people,” Frank noted.