ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — The recent U.S. military strikes on extremist militants in Sokoto have triggered a nationwide political debate in Nigeria, sharpening divisions over whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should seek a second term in 2027. The operation, unprecedented in Nigeria’s history, marked the first time a foreign military has carried out a strike on Nigerian soil.
The U.S. strike, conducted with the approval of the Nigerian government, targeted an extremist cell linked to regional insurgent networks. While officials in Abuja described the operation as a necessary step to protect civilians, the political fallout has been immediate and intense.
Supporters of the president say the cooperation with Washington shows Tinubu is willing to take decisive action against extremist violence that has plagued northern Nigeria for more than a decade. They argue the strike demonstrates strategic maturity and a readiness to work with international partners to confront threats that have overwhelmed local security forces.
Critics, however, say the operation underscores the government’s inability to secure the country without foreign intervention. Opposition figures and some civil society groups have described the strike as a blow to national sovereignty and a sign that Tinubu has failed to deliver on his campaign promise to restore security.
For many Nigerians, the symbolism of the event has overshadowed the tactical success of the operation. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has never previously experienced a foreign strike or invasion on its territory, even during periods of internal conflict and insurgency. The U.S. involvement has raised questions about the capacity of Nigeria’s military and the government’s long‑term strategy for combating terrorism.
A large bloc of undecided voters appears focused less on political rhetoric and more on whether the strike will lead to lasting improvements in security. Analysts say this group is likely to play a decisive role in the 2027 election, and their views may hinge on whether extremist attacks decline in the coming months.
Tinubu has not announced whether he will run for re‑election, but his political allies have signaled that preparations are underway. The administration has attempted to balance its defense of the U.S. partnership with reassurances that Nigeria remains in control of its security decisions.
The Sokoto strike has placed Tinubu at a crossroads, forcing him to confront both the immediate threat of extremist violence and growing public scrutiny of his leadership. As Nigeria absorbs the implications of the first foreign military action on its soil, the political stakes surrounding the 2027 race continue to rise.
