Patrick Okpomu Advocates Stronger Nigeria–U.S. Cooperation Against Terrorism, Calls for National Prayers, Backs President Tinubu Ahead of 2027 Elections

By Wilson Macaulay

Renowned peace ambassador, international public affairs advocate, and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Ambassador Patrick Okpomu, has called for stronger strategic cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in the fight against terrorism, while urging Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the nation prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Okpomu, a member of the National Faith Advisory Board (NFAB) of America, made the appeal in a public statement, stressing that defeating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, cybercrime, and other transnational security threats requires robust international partnerships, enhanced intelligence sharing, and sustained collaboration between democratic nations.
According to him, Nigeria’s security challenges have assumed global dimensions and can only be effectively addressed through improved military cooperation, advanced security technology, intelligence exchange, and strategic diplomatic engagement with allies such as the United States.
He emphasized that national security remains the bedrock of economic growth, democratic stability, foreign investment, and sustainable development, noting that peace and political stability are indispensable for Nigeria’s continued progress.
Okpomu therefore appealed to Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides to unite in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting that fervent prayers, national unity, and responsible citizenship are essential for the country to overcome its current socio-economic and security challenges.
“The success of every administration depends not only on sound public policies but also on the goodwill, prayers, and collective support of patriotic citizens. As we approach the 2027 general elections, Nigerians should place the nation’s interest above partisan sentiments and work together for peace, unity, and democratic stability,” he stated.
The peace ambassador observed that the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and the United States presents enormous opportunities for deeper collaboration in intelligence gathering, counterterrorism operations, military training, cybersecurity, and capacity building.
He said closer bilateral cooperation would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s ability to confront violent extremism while contributing to regional peace and security across West Africa.
Okpomu further disclosed that, as a prominent member of the National Faith Advisory Board (NFAB), a Christian Strategic Think Tank in the United States, he has participated in several international policy engagements and National Policy Webinars focusing on religious liberty, ethical leadership, humanitarian intervention, democratic governance, and global peace initiatives.
He explained that his participation in these engagements has provided valuable exposure to international best practices in faith-based diplomacy, conflict resolution, leadership development, and the promotion of democratic institutions.
According to him, he has consistently utilized his international contacts and professional relationships to promote Nigeria’s image abroad by engaging policymakers, faith leaders, development partners, and strategic stakeholders on issues relating to national development, peacebuilding, and good governance.
Okpomu disclosed that he has submitted several policy memoranda, strategic recommendations, and advisory papers to both the Federal Government and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), advocating policies aimed at strengthening national unity, improving governance, enhancing security, promoting inclusive economic growth, and accelerating sustainable national development.
“As a committed member of the APC, I remain confident in the leadership capacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Chairman of our great party, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, to continue providing the visionary leadership required to move Nigeria towards greater peace, security, and prosperity,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts at combating terrorism and violent crimes through improved intelligence architecture, modern surveillance technology, better welfare for security personnel, stronger international partnerships, and greater collaboration among security agencies.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Okpomu urged political leaders, political parties, religious organizations, traditional rulers, civil society groups, youth organizations, and the media to promote peaceful campaigns, reject hate speech, discourage political violence, and safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He maintained that credible, peaceful, and transparent elections remain essential for preserving Nigeria’s democratic reputation and strengthening public confidence in governance.
Highlighting his extensive international profile, Okpomu recalled that he served as a Continental Delegate and Special Guest at the African Biblical Leadership Initiative International Conference jointly organized by the Bible Society of Nigeria and the African Union in Abuja in October 2024. The conference brought together distinguished African leaders, policymakers, diplomats, and faith-based organizations to deliberate on ethical leadership, peacebuilding, good governance, and sustainable development across the continent.
Ambassador Patrick Okpomu also served as the First Member/Vice Chairman of the Delta State Sports Council Wrestling Association Governing Board, Asaba, from 2000 to 2008, where he contributed to the development and promotion of wrestling and grassroots sports administration in Delta State.
He is also the recipient of the prestigious Harmonious Honor Award, presented during the Hollywood Song Jubilee in Hollywood, California, United States, in 1993, in recognition of his outstanding commitment to peace advocacy, humanitarian service, leadership, and international goodwill.
In further recognition of his intellectual contributions, the International Biographic Centre (IBC), Cambridge, England, publishers of the International Who’s Who of Intellectuals, commended Ambassador Patrick Okpomu for the scholarly quality of several of his published articles in internationally recognized publications during the 1990s, including the London Times, Washington Post, Ebony Magazine, Times International, and other respected international journals. The commendation acknowledged his outstanding contributions to intellectual discourse, public policy, international affairs, and global development.
Okpomu concluded by expressing confidence that through strengthened Nigeria–United States cooperation against terrorism, responsible leadership, sincere prayers, national unity, and active citizen participation, Nigeria would overcome its present challenges and emerge as a more peaceful, secure, politically stable, and economically prosperous nation after the 2027 general elections.