FROM TODAY’S THISDAY COVER:
Diplomacy: Tinubu Plays the Remi Card on Trump; Christian, Pastor, Soft Power
‘President Tinubu has played the Remi card on US President Donald Trump’ – Reuben Abati gives his opinion on the recognition of First Lady Remi Tinubu by President Trump https://t.co/3ArCCWOIuE pic.twitter.com/5N2gGI7R4G
— Nigerian Affairs Journal (@NigAffairs) February 6, 2026
In renewed diplomacy between Nigeria and the United States, President Bola Tinubu yesterday played a deft soft-power card, leveraging First Lady Oluremi Tinubu’s faith profile at a sensitive moment in bilateral relations between both nations to reopen warmth with the Donald Trump-led administration.
Oluremi’s appearance at the 2026 annual US National Prayer Breakfast came against the backdrop of a recent diplomatic spat that appeared to have cooled engagement between Abuja and Washington, THISDAY recalls.
However, the calculation seemed to have paid off publicly when Trump singled out Mrs Tinubu in the congregation, acknowledging her presence and offering unusually warm remarks, signalling renewed receptiveness after months of aggressive rhetoric against Nigeria and sent a clear message that Nigeria was, perhaps, back in positive view.
Specifically, the US President, Trump, specially acknowledged the presence of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi, at the 74th edition of the programme, describing her as a respected figure and noting her role as a Christian pastor in the ‘largest church’ in Nigeria.
But like everything Trump, there is a risk. How sustainable is this new found receptiveness? Trump is mercurial and can easily change his mind.
Trump also stated that US forces, in collaboration with their Nigerian counterparts are conducting operations in Nigeria to protect Christians from being slaughtered, reiterating the significance of the Christmas day air strikes on terrorists in Africa’s most populous nation.
“But we’re honoured to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It’s a great honour. Thank you very much. Very respected person, too,” Trump stated.
Besides, the US President stated that he had been working tirelessly to end dangerous conflicts in Nigeria and other countries and help move past what he described as ‘ancient hatreds’ against the Christian faith.