The All Progressives Congress (APC) USA chapter has formally requested to testify before the United States House Subcommittee on Africa. US lawmakers will reassess Nigeria’s “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) designation. Former President Donald Trump had first applied this label. This designation was linked to allegations of Christian genocide.

Tai Balofin, Chairman of APC USA, confirmed this development. He stated that the party sent a letter to Subcommittee Chairman Chris Smith. The letter formally requested their involvement in the upcoming hearing.

Balofin added that APC USA is ready to dispatch a high-level delegation. Their goal is to present firsthand intelligence and verifiable data. This information will shed light on Nigeria’s complex security landscape.

Presenting Nigeria’s Security Realities

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, Balofin asserted this point. He believes global discussions often oversimplify Nigeria’s security challenges. They frequently miss the full complexity of the nation’s insecurity.

The delegation, he noted, is prepared for a swift appearance before Congress.

Balofin emphasized the need for a balanced perspective. “The narrative presented abroad often oversimplifies a complex security crisis,” he stated. He attributed this crisis to banditry, resource conflicts, climate stress, and transnational crime. He said it was “not solely religious persecution.”

“We must ensure Congress hears the complete picture,” he urged, “before any conclusions are drawn.” This, he added, is a duty to both Americans and Nigerians.

The APC USA’s testimony will also highlight significant security advancements. These gains, Balofin noted, have been achieved under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

He detailed these improvements. They include progress in dismantling terrorist networks and better community-based early-warning systems. Initiatives promoting interfaith harmony are also part of this effort. Both Nigerian authorities and independent international monitors have documented recent attack reductions in various hotspots.

Furthermore, APC USA intends to propose stronger US-Nigeria collaboration. This cooperation would cover security, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian aid. They argue that such partnerships are crucial for protecting all religious groups. Importantly, these efforts should not undermine diplomatic relations.

Balofin appealed directly to Chairman Smith. “Chairman Chris Smith consistently champions human rights and religious liberty globally,” he remarked. “We respectfully ask him to grant APC USA this opportunity.” He described APC USA as the official voice of Nigeria’s democratically elected government in the US. Their aim is to contribute to a fair, accurate, and solution-oriented discussion.

This development follows Nigeria’s recent criticism of the United States. Nigeria faulted its exclusion from a UN event. This event, hosted by American rapper Nicki Minaj, addressed alleged killings of Nigerians. These victims were from a specific faith group.