Nigeria’s APC Requests Hearing to Clarify Misconceptions on Religious Persecution.
Nigeria’s APC Requests Hearing to Clarify Misconceptions on Religious Persecution.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United States has formally requested to testify before the US House Subcommittee on Africa. The hearing is part of ongoing American review of Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) by former President Donald Trump, due to allegations of religious persecution.
In a letter addressed to Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Chris Smith, APC USA expressed its readiness to send a high-level delegation to present “firsthand intelligence and verifiable data” on Nigeria’s security situation. The group aims to clarify misconceptions surrounding Nigeria’s challenges, emphasizing that the country’s insecurity is driven by a complex mix of factors including banditry, resource conflicts, climate change, and transnational crime—not solely religious persecution.
Prof. Tai Balofin, Chairman of APC USA, confirmed the request during a statement in Abuja. He stated that the group hopes their testimony will provide a balanced perspective on Nigeria’s security landscape and highlight recent security improvements under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The delegation also intends to advocate for increased US-Nigeria cooperation in areas such as security, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian aid.
This development follows Nigeria’s criticism of the United States for excluding it from a UN event hosted by American rapper Nicki Minaj, which focused on alleged violence against Nigerians of a particular faith. Nigeria contends that the US’s actions and narratives fail to reflect the full scope of the crisis, which involves various socio-economic and security issues beyond religious persecution.
The APC USA’s move to testify underscores Nigeria’s efforts to present its side of the story amid international scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s security dynamics and progress.
