APC USA urges Trump to avoid military action on Nigeria, calling for diplomacy to strengthen U.S.-Nigeria ties and protect global religious freedoms
APC USA has called on former U.S. President Donald Trump to favour diplomatic engagement over military measures after Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
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In a statement released in Washington on Tuesday, Prof. Tai Balofin, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the United States, praised Trump’s commitment to global religious freedoms but appealed for restraint, stressing that dialogue remains the most sustainable route to peace.
“President Trump’s vigilance honours the sacred values that unite America and Nigeria. Yet, in the annals of statecraft, it is through dialogue—not division—that enduring peace is forged,” Balofin said.
Trump’s recent remarks on 31 October, followed by a 2 November Truth Social post urging U.S. forces to “prepare for possible action,” have drawn widespread international concern.
In response, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu dismissed the U.S. designation as a “gross exaggeration,” reaffirming his government’s dedication to combating extremism while maintaining national unity.
Balofin cautioned against misrepresenting Nigeria’s security challenges, describing them as complex and multidimensional. He noted that most major violent incidents cited abroad occurred before Tinubu’s tenure began in 2023.
Referring to the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where more than 200 Christians were killed, Balofin commended Tinubu’s decisive response — including his immediate visit, the order for arrests, and the detention of 41 suspects within weeks.
“President Tinubu demonstrated empathy and firmness. His swift response sent a clear message that impunity will not be tolerated,” the APC USA Chairman said.
He further rejected claims that the Nigerian government is indifferent to insecurity, calling them “politically motivated” efforts to discredit Tinubu before the 2027 elections.
Balofin also urged the U.S. to strengthen ties with Nigeria through judicial reform support, interfaith dialogue, and diaspora-driven initiatives that promote accurate reporting.
Through continued advocacy and discreet diplomatic channels, APC USA assured Nigerians that tensions would ease and relations would improve.
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“Your bridge-building endures; harbour no undue alarm,” Balofin concluded, describing the situation as a “powerful opportunity for stronger U.S.–Nigeria relations rooted in mutual respect and shared values.”
