Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja — Political commentator and civic critic Mahdi Shehu has ignited fresh controversy with a social media post accusing Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi “Remi” Tinubu, of statements and attitudes he claims are hostile to northern Nigerian Muslim communities. In a message shared on the platform X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Shehu offered what he termed “bad news” that he said would “haunt” the first lady “till death,” intensifying an already polarized national discourse around religion, politics and public leadership.
Shehu’s statement, which has since circulated widely on social media platforms, centres on his interpretation of comments attributed to Remi Tinubu during a recent media interview. He alleged that her remarks suggested a lack of empathy toward predominantly Muslim northern communities affected by security challenges and foreign military actions. According to Shehu, these remarks — in his view — reveal a perceived antagonistic stance that he says makes her unpopular among significant sections of Nigeria’s population.
“The bad news for Pastor Remi Tinubu,” Shehu wrote in his post, “is that up to the time of her death, her exit from the Villa, and her post-Villa life, there will always be Muslims in Nigeria practising Islam.” He framed this as an enduring reality that he believes complicates her public image given the country’s religious diversity.
Analysts describe the comment as emblematic of the heightened tensions in Nigerian public discourse where political criticism often intersects with sensitive issues of religion and regional identity. Remi Tinubu, a former lawmaker and the spouse of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has maintained a public role since her husband assumed office in 2023, engaging in initiatives ranging from philanthropic projects to representing Nigeria at diplomatic events. However, she has also faced criticism from various quarters over perceptions of her public comments and perceived closeness to contentious policy issues.
Nigeria’s religious landscape is complex: Muslims and Christians broadly constitute the largest faith communities, and political figures frequently navigate criticism tied to sectarian narratives. Observers note that public figures, particularly those occupying national roles, are under constant scrutiny, and statements interpreted as disparaging toward any group can quickly become flashpoints for national debate. Past incidents — including viral news reports in which other clerics or commentators invoked threats or hostilities against political figures — have drawn condemnation from civil society actors and human rights groups concerned about rhetoric that could inflame sectarian tensions.
In response to the social media backlash, supporters of the first lady have denounced Shehu’s comments as inflammatory and unhelpful to national cohesion. They argue that criticism rooted in perceived religious animosity is both unwarranted and detrimental to constructive dialogue. They have reiterated that Remi Tinubu’s public statements should be evaluated in their full context, not reduced to excerpts that risk misinterpretation.
Legal and political analysts stress that while freedom of expression is protected under Nigeria’s constitution, public figures and commentators have a responsibility to avoid rhetoric that could be construed as promoting division. They underscore that Nigeria’s multi-religious society demands careful navigation of issues involving faith and politics, especially in a period marked by intense political competition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
This episode has rekindled discussions about the role of political commentators in shaping public perceptions and the boundaries between critique and incitement. It highlights the tensions that can arise when criticism of public officials intersects with deeply held social identities. Observers also note that social media platforms have become central arenas for political narratives in Nigeria, amplifying statements that might previously have remained confined to niche audiences.
At the time of publishing, there has been no official response from the Office of the First Lady or the Presidency addressing Shehu’s remarks. Government spokespeople and aides to the first lady have not issued statements clarifying her position or responding to the accusations.
The impact of the controversy will likely unfold as the political calendar advances. With national attention increasingly focused on governance performance, economic conditions, and preparations for forthcoming elections, narratives that resonate with regional or religious sentiments could influence public sentiment and political mobilization. Whether Shehu’s remarks will have any lasting political ramifications for Remi Tinubu’s public standing depends in part on how political actors, media organisations and civil society groups frame the broader conversation going forward.
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