The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised the Tinubu-led federal government over Nigeria’s conspicuous absence from high-level U.S.-Africa commercial talks held at the White House this week, calling the snub a “damning international indictment.”
In a strongly-worded statement released on Tuesday, the ADC argued that Nigeria’s exclusion from the strategic economic engagement — which involved Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal — signals growing international disinterest in Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, expressed disbelief that Africa’s largest economy and most populous country could be sidelined from a summit aimed at deepening trade and investment partnerships with Africa.
“Despite being the continent’s economic powerhouse and having the most influential diaspora, we were overlooked in favour of nations with significantly smaller economies. It speaks volumes,” Abdullahi said.
The White House stated that the countries invited had demonstrated “the ability and willingness to help themselves,” a qualification the ADC interpreted as a direct critique of the Tinubu administration’s perceived governance failures.
“In diplomatic language, this is the equivalent of a red flag. The world no longer sees Nigeria as a reliable or serious partner,” the ADC spokesperson added.
The party warned that Nigeria’s international standing is in decline, referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting new tariffs on BRICS-aligned nations, including Nigeria, and pointing to Nigeria’s waning influence within ECOWAS.
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“Just a few years ago, the idea of Nigeria being left out of a forum like this would have been unthinkable. Now it reflects a disturbing new reality,” the statement read.
The ADC further criticised President Tinubu’s recent week-long trip to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, calling it an ill-timed distraction while key economic opportunities are slipping away.
They contrasted the visit with the global impact of past Nigerian leaders and diplomats, particularly highlighting Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership at the World Trade Organization.
“This is the cost of choosing political theatre over sound governance,” the ADC said. “Nigeria deserves a government that matches its potential, not one that squanders its relevance.”
The U.S.-Africa business summit, which opens Wednesday, is expected to focus on accelerating American investments in Africa’s clean energy, technology, infrastructure, and agriculture sectors.
Nigeria’s exclusion raises broader questions about the country’s diplomatic trajectory and trade future under the current administration.