The African Democratic Congress has criticized the Nigerian government’s response to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the United States. In a statement released on Monday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of “embarrassment and moral cowardice” over its handling of the situation.
The ADC criticized Nigeria’s lack of response, noting that more than 48 hours had passed since the US operation without a statement from the government. The party described this silence as “reeking of fear” and indicative of Nigeria’s diminished standing on the international stage. The ADC also highlighted the controversy surrounding the 2024 Venezuelan elections, which were widely condemned as fraudulent.
The party drew parallels between the Venezuelan crisis and the situation in Nigeria, suggesting that the former serves as a cautionary tale for dictators and election riggers. The ADC implied that leaders who manipulate elections and deny citizens’ rights will eventually face accountability. The party also criticized the Tinubu administration for failing to take a principled stand on global matters, risking Nigeria’s credibility as Africa’s largest democracy.
The ADC statement emphasized that democracy must be more than just elections, and that governments prioritizing survival over the will of the people are increasingly exposed on the world stage. The party’s criticism comes as Nigeria and other countries navigate complex international relationships and grapple with issues of sovereignty and accountability.
The Venezuelan crisis has sparked widespread debate about the limits of international intervention and the role of global powers in promoting democracy and human rights. The ADC’s statement reflects the party’s commitment to promoting democratic values and accountability in Nigeria and beyond. As the situation in Venezuela continues to unfold, the Nigerian government’s response will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally. The ADC’s criticism highlights the need for Nigeria to take a clear and principled stance on global issues, and to prioritize the will of its citizens in its decision-making.
