The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the Federal Government’s silence over the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, describing the development as a warning for Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the incident underscores the global rejection of illegitimate governments and flawed electoral processes.
Maduro and his wife were detained during a U.S. military operation authorised by President Donald Trump and flown to New York to face charges of drug trafficking and arms offences.
Reacting, the ADC said Nigeria’s failure to respond, unlike other nations, was “a national embarrassment,” alleging that President Bola Tinubu’s silence reflects fear that he could one day face similar consequences.
“The African Democratic Congress considers Saturday’s action by the United States Government to arrest the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife as a clear warning that sends a strong message to the Nigerian government and any other government that lacks legitimacy,” the party stated.
While affirming support for the principles of sovereignty and non-interference under the UN Charter, the ADC stressed that such doctrines should not shield tyranny or electoral fraud.
The party recalled that Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election was widely condemned as fraudulent, citing repression, exclusion of opposition candidates, violent crackdowns on protests, and manipulation of state institutions.
“The visible wave of public support that followed in Venezuela speaks to a deeper crisis of legitimacy of the Maduro government. When citizens pour into the streets in celebration, it exposes the bankruptcy of the regime that has been upended,” the statement added.
The ADC criticised Nigeria’s silence more than 48 hours after the arrest, saying it reflects a decline in the country’s global standing and a “moral crisis” under the current administration.
“Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and largest democracy, is conspicuously absent. This silence has nothing to do with neutrality. Instead, it reveals a government that lacks confidence simply because it lacks integrity,” the party declared.
The ADC concluded that Venezuela’s situation is a cautionary tale for dictators and election riggers worldwide:
“The world is watching, and contrived mandates will no longer find a place to hide.”
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