Table of Contents

  1. Condemnation of the Nigerian Government
  2. Lack of Response from Nigeria
  3. Venezuelan Elections as Evidence
  4. Issue of Confidence
  5. Cautionary Tale for Dictators
  6. Call for Accountability
  7. Risk to Nigeria's Credibility
  8. Conclusion on Democracy

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the Nigerian government, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of embarrassment and moral cowardice regarding the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife by the United States.

This statement was made public on Monday by ADC National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.

The party denounced Nigeria’s lack of response over 48 hours after the US operation, characterizing the government's silence as “reeking of fear” and “a further indication that Nigeria has lost both its voice and standing on the international stage.”

Furthermore, the statement pointed to the widely condemned 2024 Venezuelan elections as proof that regimes that rely on fraud and repression cannot depend on international doctrines of sovereignty for protection.

“Let’s be clear,” the statement emphasized, “the Nigerian government’s silence is not about neutrality. It highlights a government that lacks confidence due to its lack of integrity.”

ADC also drew a direct comparison to Nigeria, asserting that the Venezuelan crisis should act as a cautionary tale for dictators and those who manipulate elections everywhere.

The party further suggested that leaders who tamper with elections and deny citizens their rights will ultimately face accountability.

It called out the Tinubu administration for failing to take a principled stance on global issues, warning that Nigeria risks losing credibility as Africa’s largest democracy while ignoring crises that provide broader lessons about legitimacy and governance.

The statement concluded by asserting that democracy must encompass more than just “ballots and electoralism,” and that governments prioritizing their own survival over the will of the people are increasingly exposed on the global stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ADC's stance on the Nigerian government's response to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro?

The ADC has condemned the Nigerian government for its silence and lack of response, viewing it as an embarrassment and a sign of moral cowardice.

Why does the ADC believe the Venezuelan elections are significant?

The ADC highlighted the 2024 Venezuelan elections as evidence that regimes relying on fraud and repression cannot depend on international laws for protection.

What warning does the ADC give to dictators?

The ADC warns that dictators and those who manipulate elections will eventually face accountability for their actions.