A viral social media post claiming that President Bola Tinubu pledged support to either Iran or Israel in the ongoing conflict is false.
The claim appeared on Facebook via the 237 Best Music blog, stating that Tinubu had offered backing to “any of the countries involved in the fighting, so that in the future they can also come to the aid of my country in case of any difficulties.”
By March 16, 2026, the post had attracted 1,700 likes, 654 comments, and 57 shares. It also circulated on Instagram, prompting online debate and disbelief.
Some reactions questioned the authenticity of the alleged statement. Goodluck Moses wrote: “What am I seeing over there? Is it our own Nigerian rocket missile? Iran, no worry, our rocket is coming to stop Americans and Israelites soldiers, we are coming.”
Another user, MG James quering, asked: “Does Tinubu know he said this? Is this true?”
CONTEXT OF THE CONFLICT
The claim came after Israel, supported by the United States, launched coordinated airstrikes on multiple Iranian targets, including military bases and government facilities in Tehran, on February 28, 2026.
The escalation drew global attention, with world leaders and international organisations calling for diplomacy and urging all parties to reduce tensions.
VERIFICATION
WITHIN NIGERIA conducted extensive searches using relevant keywords but found no evidence that Tinubu made such a statement. No international or Nigerian news outlet reported the president taking sides in the war.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instead expressed “deep concern” over the violence following the US-Israel attacks. It urged both countries to prioritise dialogue over military action, reinforcing Nigeria’s long-standing diplomatic position of neutrality in international conflicts.
Historically, Nigeria has maintained a non-aligned stance, advocating peaceful resolution rather than engagement in foreign military disputes.
Attempts to contact presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga for clarification by phone and text were unsuccessful as of press time.
CONCLUSION
There is no credible evidence that President Tinubu offered support to either party in the Iran–Israel conflict. The viral post claiming this is false.
