The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Nigerian government for its prolonged silence on the dramatic developments in Venezuela, saying the lack of response from Abuja is “embarrassing” and undermines Nigeria’s role as a leading voice in West Africa and across the continent.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Tuesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Nigeria’s absence from the international conversation following the United States’ capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife has raised serious concerns.
“What we have seen is that Nigeria is nowhere to be found – Nigeria has not said anything,” Abdullahi said, questioning President Bola Tinubu’s silence on what ADC described as one of the most defining moments in international politics. “If that does not embarrass you as a citizen, it embarrasses us.”
The opposition party noted that several neighbouring countries have publicly reacted to the Venezuela situation, yet Nigeria’s government has remained conspicuously quiet. While ADC acknowledged that Nigeria does not need to mirror other nations’ positions, it insisted a clear stance would reflect a principled diplomatic approach.
“Whether Nigeria sees it differently, agrees with it, or disagrees, the issue is that Nigeria has not articulated any position,” the party said, stressing that such silence damages the country’s international standing and is “not befitting” of a nation that should be at the forefront of continental leadership.
ADC also argued that the events in Venezuela should serve as a cautionary lesson for Nigeria and other democracies about the threats posed by illegitimate governance and electoral malpractice.
The United States’ action in Venezuela has triggered a mix of global responses, with some governments condemning the move as a breach of international law and others supporting it as a blow against authoritarian rule.
President Tinubu’s office has yet to issue an official comment on the matter.
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