WASHINGTON, D.C. — Judd Saul, Executive Director of the U.S.-based advocacy group Equipping the Persecuted, has delivered a blistering critique of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, accusing her of engaging in a “propaganda” tour of Washington, D.C., while Christians are being slaughtered back home.
In a statement released on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Saul highlighted a jarring contrast between the First Lady’s high-level diplomatic engagements and the “genocidal” violence currently ravaging Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
‘Parading’ While Nigeria Bleeds
Saul accused the First Lady of attempting to sanitize Nigeria’s image abroad while the security situation reaches a breaking point.
“Mrs. Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria, is parading around Washington, D.C., attending high-level meetings and dining at fancy restaurants,” Saul remarked. “Yet while she is here insisting that there is no genocide happening, over 300 Christians have been massacred in the last 72 hours. The people responsible are Fulani ethnic militia“.
The advocate’s remarks follow reports of fresh bloodshed across the federation:
- Benue Market Massacre: On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, suspected Fulani militia attacked the Abande community in Kwande LGA during its market day, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens more.
- Plateau Siege: On Friday, February 6, 2026, armed militia reportedly laid siege to the Rapyam community in Barkin Ladi LGA, leaving several casualties and properties razed.
- Taraba “Forgotten War”: Recent reports indicate that coordinated campaigns by Fulani ethnic militias have killed at least 87 Christians in Taraba State over the last four months, displacing over 30 farming communities.
The Media Snub and ‘Cover-Up’ Allegations
The First Lady’s visit to the U.S. capital has been met with significant resistance from influential stakeholders. Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council, recently revealed that he denied an interview request from the First Lady’s team for his program, Washington Watch.
“I’m not gonna give them a platform to cover up what they’re doing in Nigeria,” Perkins stated, echoing Saul’s concerns about the administration’s efforts to “spin the narrative” regarding religious persecution.
Propaganda vs. Persecution
Judd Saul further lambasted the use of “pastor” as a title for the First Lady, describing it as a tool for political propaganda. “Remi Tinubu is the only ‘pastor’ in Nigeria that has never been seen at the podium delivering sermons… you gotta give it to the APC when it comes to propaganda,” Saul noted.
The advocacy group Equipping the Persecuted has previously presented findings at the National Press Club alleging government complicity or “foreknowledge” of massacres, such as the Yelewata Massacre where suspects were recently arraigned in an Abuja court.
As of Sunday night, February 8, 2026, the Office of the First Lady has not issued a formal rebuttal to Saul’s allegations. The controversy remains a point of discussion for those observing the situation in Nigeria.
