Venezuela’s crisis: Nigeria’s silence is shameful, ADC leader says

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Nigerian government for its silence regarding the recent US military operation in Venezuela, which resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, expressed this concern during an interview on Politics Today on Channels Television.

Abdullahi emphasized that Nigeria has diminished its role as a principled leader in Africa and West Africa. He remarked that the situation in Venezuela is a pivotal moment with far-reaching global consequences, yet Nigeria has chosen not to engage in the dialogue.

“Let’s set politics aside. As citizens, we are ashamed that Nigeria is voiceless on this issue. It is evident that Nigeria has forfeited its status as a leading voice in Africa,” Abdullahi stated, reflecting on the country’s historical diplomatic influence.

He referenced former Nigerian leaders like Jaja Wachuku and Joseph Garba, who took decisive stances on global matters, and expressed disappointment that the current administration has not continued this legacy. Many West African nations have already expressed their views on the crisis, making Nigeria’s silence particularly notable.

Abdullahi also pointed to the government’s past security decisions, including inviting US forces to operate in Nigeria in December 2025, as indicative of a broader lack of moral courage and confidence.

While the United Nations, China, Russia, Mexico, and Spain have condemned the US operation as a breach of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty, Nigeria has not issued an official statement, sparking criticism from both political analysts and the public.