The U.S. chapter of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has written to the leadership of the U.S. Congress, urging restraint over recent claims of a so-called “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
The letter comes in response to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy American troops to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians is not halted.
Dated November 5, 2025, and addressed to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader John Thune, the APC-USA chapter appealed for diplomatic dialogue rather than military intervention.
The group acknowledged America’s long-standing commitment to promoting religious freedom worldwide but cautioned against what it described as “misleading narratives” surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges.
In the letter, signed by APC-USA Chairman Prof. Tai Balofin, the group voiced concern that Trump’s recent labeling of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” may have been influenced by misinformation and domestic political maneuvering ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Balofin noted that while the country has suffered from tragic violence, most of the clashes stem from deep-rooted communal and resource-related disputes between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt, rather than from organized religious persecution.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown fairness and strong leadership in tackling Nigeria’s security issues.
“After the tragic June 2025 massacre in Benue State, where more than 200 people mostly Christians were killed, President Tinubu personally visited the community, ordered the arrest of those responsible, and ensured they were prosecuted under terrorism and murder laws,” the letter stated.
The group said these actions demonstrate Tinubu’s “firm stance against impunity,” emphasizing that his government’s pursuit of justice and peace is inclusive and not driven by religion.
The APC-USA also cautioned that exaggerated depictions of Nigeria’s security situation could damage diplomatic relations, deter foreign investment, and undermine cooperation between both countries on counterterrorism and development initiatives.
“Instead of considering military intervention, we urge the U.S. Congress to focus on diplomatic engagement and collaborative solutions,” the group said. “Judicial cooperation, interfaith dialogue, and credible diaspora engagement are more sustainable ways to achieve peace.”
Reaffirming its role as a reliable source of information, the APC-USA said it is willing to brief congressional staff or facilitate direct discussions with Nigerian officials to ensure a more balanced understanding of the situation.
The letter concluded with an appeal to U.S. lawmakers to continue strengthening the historic partnership between Nigeria and the United States one rooted in shared democratic values and mutual respect for human rights.
Read also: U.S. Military Drafts Contingency Plans for Nigeria Amid Limited Options to Curb Violence
