Nigeria condemns US arrest of Venezuelan president in cowardice

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Nigerian government’s response to the United States’ arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. 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” in handling the situation. The ADC noted that more than 48 hours had passed since the U.S. operation without any statement from the Nigerian government, describing the silence as “reeking of fear” and suggesting it reflects Nigeria’s diminished standing on the international stage.

The party also highlighted the controversy surrounding the 2024 Venezuelan elections, which were widely condemned as fraudulent. Drawing parallels between the Venezuelan crisis and Nigeria’s own challenges, the ADC warned that dictators and election riggers ultimately face accountability. It argued that leaders who manipulate elections and deny citizens’ rights will eventually be held responsible.

Furthermore, the ADC criticized the Tinubu administration for failing to take a principled stand on global matters, thereby risking Nigeria’s credibility as Africa’s largest democracy. The statement emphasized that democracy must be more than just holding elections, and that governments prioritising 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 while grappling 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 its 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, underscoring the need for a clear and principled stance on global issues that prioritises the will of its citizens.