The Presidency on Monday dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu is set to visit the United States on Tuesday to meet with US Vice President J.D. Vance, describing the report as false and misleading.

Temitope Ajayi, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said in a post on his official X handle that the report had sparked unnecessary speculation and “uninformed commentaries.” He clarified that if President Tinubu were to visit the White House, he would meet with President Donald Trump, not the Vice President.

“There’s a Sahara Reporters story that President Tinubu is going to the U.S. on Tuesday to see U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance. That story is not true. If President Tinubu is going to the White House, he won’t be going to see a Vice President,” Ajayi stated.

The clarification comes amid heightened international attention following allegations of persecution of Christians in Nigeria and a controversial statement by former US President Donald Trump. In a post on his Truth account over the weekend, Trump warned that the United States might “go in guns blazing” if Nigeria fails to halt attacks on Christians, threatening to stop aid and even engage militarily against perpetrators of violence.

Reacting to growing international concern, President Tinubu denied claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria. In a statement via his X handle, he reaffirmed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to foster interfaith dialogue and security across the country.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said. He emphasized that since taking office in 2023, his government has maintained active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, addressing security challenges that affect citizens across all regions and faiths.

Tinubu also rejected narratives portraying Nigeria as religiously intolerant, describing them as inaccurate and unreflective of the nation’s diverse population. He stressed that religious tolerance has always been central to Nigeria’s national identity and remains a core principle of his administration.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” the President said.

In addition, Tinubu assured the international community of Nigeria’s commitment to collaborate with the United States and other partners in protecting citizens of all faiths. “Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths,” he stated.

The Presidency’s clarification underscores Nigeria’s stance on upholding religious freedom while also emphasizing that diplomacy—not confrontation—remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy. Officials stress that external reports should be carefully verified to avoid inflaming tensions or misrepresenting the country’s internal affairs.

This development comes amid heightened global scrutiny of Nigeria’s security situation, particularly regarding attacks in the country’s northern and central regions, and the political significance of Tinubu’s engagements with international partners.

Abuja witnessed a tense standoff on Monday as supporters of the faction loyal to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Vice Chairman (North Central), Mohammed Abdulrahman, stormed the party’s national secretariat at Wadata Plaza.

The group, chanting solidarity songs and waving party flags, demanded the immediate resignation of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Umar Damagum, accusing the leadership of mismanaging party affairs.

Abdulrahman was recently appointed Acting National Chairman, following the suspension of the party’s National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, for a period of one month. The suspension and leadership shuffle have escalated a brewing crisis within the party, raising fears of further fragmentation.

In a dramatic countermove, supporters loyal to Anyanwu convened at a separate location in Abuja and announced the suspension of the Damagum-led NWC, intensifying the internal power struggle.

Protesters at Wadata Plaza vowed to reclaim control of the secretariat for the Abdulrahman-led faction, warning that they would not back down until the NWC stepped aside.

Security forces have been deployed to the area to prevent clashes and ensure public safety, as both factions jostle for control of the party headquarters.

The leadership tussle exposes deep divisions within the PDP, which has long struggled to maintain cohesion amid internal rivalries and competing ambitions. Analysts say the ongoing crisis could have significant implications for the party’s unity and electoral prospects in upcoming elections.

Party members and stakeholders have called for dialogue and mediation to resolve the impasse peacefully, warning that continued unrest could damage the party’s image and weaken its political influence.

Further developments are expected as both factions continue their standoff at the national secretariat.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned motorists of potential traffic disruptions on the Chisco–Victoria Island corridor due to the recovery of an upturned gas tanker following an accident earlier on Monday.

A notice from the agency, signed by Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, said operatives and emergency responders are on-site and may temporarily close the main carriageway to ensure safety.

“In view of the ongoing operation, the entire main carriageway will be temporarily closed to traffic at any moment to allow for the safe, swift, and professional recovery of the gas tanker and to prevent any secondary incidents during the process,” Taofiq said.

Motorists have been urged to remain patient and follow diversion instructions from traffic officers. “Motorists are strongly advised to cooperate with LASTMA officials and other emergency responders as efforts are being made to complete the evacuation operation as quickly as possible and restore normal traffic flow,” the statement added.

LASTMA emphasized that the safety of road users remains a top priority for the Lagos State Government and promised to provide further updates once the recovery operation is completed.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over tanker accidents in Nigeria. On October 21, a similar incident in Niger State saw a tanker fall on its side, resulting in an explosion that killed several people and injured many others. Authorities have repeatedly urged caution around accident scenes to prevent such tragedies.