By Ghazali Ibrahim
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has responded sharply to the decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), warning that the nation faces an existential security and diplomatic crisis under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement issued Monday, November 3 2025, the opposition party emphasised that the label is a symptom of deeper failures not simply on religious freedom, but across governance, diplomacy, and security.
According to ADC, the number of lives lost to violence since 2023 has reached nearly 15,000, a figure they say signals a national emergency that transcends region or faith.
The ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, pointed out that the disorder and killings highlighted by the U.S. move cannot be dismissed as targeting one religion.
Rather, they reflect a failure of state institutions to protect all citizens. This includes territories where armed groups levy taxes, destroy villages and carry out attacks with impunity.
While the ADC acknowledged the U.S. concerns, the party cautioned against interpreting the designation as a foreign‑driven political stunt that could further destabilise Nigeria’s internal dynamics.
They urged President Tinubu’s administration to overhaul the national security framework, appoint qualified ambassadors to key diplomatic posts and reset Nigeria’s foreign policy away from personalised politics.
The development adds another layer to growing pressure on the Tinubu government, already under fire for its handling of inflation, insecurity, and institutional weakening.
