Manny Ita –
A public affairs analyst, Otubanjo, has warned that Nigeria could be vulnerable to military action by the United States under President Donald Trump if diplomatic and strategic engagements between both countries deteriorate.
Speaking during a televised interview on Tuesday, Otubanjo said recent global developments show that Washington would not hesitate to deploy military force where it considers its interests threatened, drawing parallels with U.S. action against Iran.
He argued that Nigeria must take its foreign policy positioning seriously and avoid actions that could put it at odds with major global powers. “If care is not taken, Nigeria could find itself in a situation similar to what happened with Iran,” he said. “The United States has demonstrated that it can act decisively when it believes its strategic interests are at stake.”
Otubanjo maintained that while Nigeria is not currently at war with the U.S., shifting geopolitical alliances and internal instability could expose the country to external pressures. He stressed that economic vulnerabilities, security challenges, and dependence on foreign partnerships make Nigeria susceptible to international influence.
“We must understand the global power structure,” he stated. “Countries that appear weak internally often become easy targets externally. It is not just about military strength; it is about diplomacy, economic resilience and strategic alliances.”
The analyst further cautioned Nigerian authorities against complacency, urging policymakers to strengthen national institutions and improve governance to reduce external leverage. According to him, strong domestic stability serves as a deterrent against foreign interference.
He also called for proactive engagement with Washington to maintain cordial relations, noting that the U.S. remains a significant trade and security partner to Nigeria. “Dialogue must remain open at all times,” he said. “Nigeria should not put itself in a position where it becomes isolated diplomatically.”
Otubanjo’s comments come amid heightened global tensions and renewed debates about U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. While there has been no official indication of any planned military action involving Nigeria, analysts say discussions around geopolitical risk have intensified in recent months.
As of press time, government officials had not issued any formal response to the remarks.
