The Nigerian presidency has officially refuted a viral video claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu abandoned Islam for Christianity. Olusegun Dada, the special assistant on social media to the president, dismissed the claim as entirely false and misleading.
Presidential Aide Labels Video as Fake
In a post on his verified X account on Thursday afternoon, May 28, Dada categorically stated that the video circulating on social media is fake. He emphasized that President Tinubu has always been a Muslim and has never converted to any other religion.
Dada wrote: "Please disregard the video circulating claiming PBAT has converted. It is a lie... President Tinubu has always been a Muslim, while proudly supporting his wife, who is a Pastor. This unique interfaith harmony in his own home is what he brings to national leadership, which is unity and not conversion."
Context of the Viral Claim
The eight-minute video, originally posted on TikTok by the account @internetsecrets2, falsely alleged that Tinubu had changed his faith. The claim has been widely circulated amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Dada's response underscores the president's longstanding respect for interfaith relationships. Tinubu's wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is an ordained pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), one of Nigeria's largest Pentecostal denominations. The president has consistently supported her religious work, highlighting their household as a model of religious tolerance.
Rise of AI-Generated Fake Content
The incident reflects a growing concern over the use of artificial intelligence to create misleading political content. AI-generated videos can now mimic voices and visuals with high accuracy, making it difficult for the public to distinguish fact from fiction.
In response to this challenge, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) established an AI Division under its ICT department in May 2025. The division aims to harness AI's positive potential while mitigating its negative impact on electoral processes. However, the rapid spread of sophisticated fake content remains a significant obstacle for election authorities.
International Recognition of First Lady's Faith
In February 2026, during the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged Senator Oluremi Tinubu's role as a pastor. Trump said: "We're honored to be joined today by the First Lady of Nigeria, who also happens to serve as a Christian pastor at the largest church in Nigeria. A very respected woman. First Lady, please, where are you? Thank you very much. It's a great honor."
This recognition highlights the First Lady's prominence in religious circles and her husband's support for her ministry.
Tinubu Advocates Unity Beyond Religion
President Tinubu has previously called for Nigerians to live harmoniously despite religious differences. Speaking in Jos, Plateau State, during the funeral of Lydia Yilwatda, mother of APC National Chairman Nentawe Yilwatda, Tinubu emphasized that faith should unite rather than divide. He stated that all people serve the same God, regardless of their religious affiliation.
The presidency urges the public to disregard the viral video and rely on official sources for accurate information about the president's beliefs.
