The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Nigerian government over its silence following the United States’ arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, describing the episode as a stark warning for Nigeria and other nations with contested leadership.
In a statement on Monday, January 5, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the incident underscores the global intolerance for illegitimate administrations and flawed electoral processes.
First Daily reports that on Saturday, a US military operation authorised by President Donald Trump resulted in Maduro’s arrest.
The Venezuelan leader and his wife were flown to New York City to face charges relating to drug trafficking and arms offences.
“The African Democratic Congress considers Saturday’s action by the United States Government to arrest the President of Venezuela, Nicholas Maduro, and his wife as a clear warning that sends a strong message to the Nigerian government and any other government that lacks legitimacy,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC described Nigeria’s lack of response—unlike the reactions from other international leaders—as a “national embarrassment,” suggesting that President Bola Tinubu’s silence may reflect personal apprehension about facing similar accountability.
“The ADC strongly supports the principles of the sanctity of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of another country, as enshrined in Articles 2(1) and 2(4) of the United Nations Charter—principles that underpin global peace and order.
“Nevertheless, we maintain that these international governance doctrines…should not be invoked to provide a safe haven for tyranny, electoral fraud, or the systematic denial of a people’s right to freely choose their leaders,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Urges Respect for Venezuela’s Sovereignty, Calls for Inclusive Dialogue
The party also criticised the legitimacy of Venezuela’s 2024 elections, noting that international observers condemned the vote as flawed and unfair.
Abdullahi said, “Political opponents were barred from contesting, peaceful protests were met with violence, and state institutions were weaponized against the very citizens they exist to serve. The net consequence has been mass migration, undermining regional stability.”
While acknowledging that the US intervention raises legal and ethical questions, ADC stressed that the public celebrations following Maduro’s arrest reveal the deep crisis of legitimacy within his government.
“It exposes the bankruptcy of the regime that has been upended,” Abdullahi said, adding that Nigeria’s silence damages its international credibility.
“This silence reflects a moral crisis that removes the government’s legitimacy to take any principled stand on anything,” he added.
Concluding, the party emphasised the need for genuine democracy.
“Sovereignty must reflect the will of the people, not merely the survival of a regime. The situation in Venezuela is a cautionary tale for all dictators, including those claiming electoral mandates.
“The world is watching, and contrived mandates will no longer find a place to hide,” Abdullahi said.