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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has stated that the actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump against Venezuela's President, Nicolas Maduro, serve as a clear lesson for Nigeria and other governments it deems illegitimate.

The party expressed that Nigeria’s lack of response to this issue is embarrassing and indicates fear on the part of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC affirmed its belief in national sovereignty and non-interference. However, it cautioned that these principles should not be used as a shield for poor governance.

The party stated, “ADC firmly supports the principles of the sanctity of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations.”

Nonetheless, it added, “these international governance doctrines should not be invoked to provide a refuge for tyranny, electoral fraud, or the systematic denial of the people's right to freely select their leaders.”

The ADC noted that the 2024 presidential election in Venezuela was widely condemned by countries throughout Latin America, the European Union, and various democratic institutions.

“It is a matter of public record that the 2024 Venezuela presidential elections were broadly denounced as illegitimate and severely flawed,” the party stated, emphasizing that the process was characterized by fraud, repression, and exclusion.

The party claimed that opposition figures were barred from running, protests were violently suppressed, and state institutions were weaponized against citizens.

According to the ADC, the consequences of this crisis included mass migration, which posed a threat to regional stability.

While acknowledging that U.S. intervention raises legal concerns, the party highlighted one significant issue.

“The visible surge of public support that emerged within Venezuela indicates a deeper legitimacy crisis for the Maduro government,” the statement remarked.

The ADC also criticized the Nigerian government for its inaction regarding these developments.

“ADC finds it profoundly embarrassing that more than 48 hours after the situation in Venezuela unfolded, the Nigerian government has yet to respond in any manner,” it stated.

The party contended that the silence of the Tinubu-led administration demonstrates that Nigeria has “lost both its voice and standing on the international stage.”

It concluded, “this silence reflects the government’s moral crisis, undermining its legitimacy to take a principled stance on any issue.”

The ADC emphasized that sovereignty must represent the will of the people, not merely the preservation of those in power.

“The world is watching, and fabricated mandates will no longer have a place to hide,” the statement concluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ADC's view on U.S. intervention in Venezuela?

The ADC believes that while U.S. intervention raises legal concerns, it highlights a significant legitimacy crisis within the Maduro government.

Why is Nigeria's silence on Venezuela's elections concerning?

The ADC finds Nigeria's silence embarrassing, suggesting that it indicates a loss of voice and standing on the international stage under President Tinubu's administration.

What does the ADC believe about sovereignty?

The ADC asserts that sovereignty should reflect the will of the people and not serve merely to protect those in power.