APC USA Stands with Tinubu, Dismisses U.S. Warning Over CPC Designation

The All Progressives Congress chapter in the United States has appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump to prioritize diplomacy over military action following Nigeria’s recent designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).

In a statement released in Washington on Tuesday, APC USA Chairman, Prof. Tai Balofin, praised Trump’s commitment to promoting global religious freedom but emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains the most effective means of addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

“President Trump’s vigilance honors the sacred values shared by both America and Nigeria. However, history teaches that lasting peace is achieved through dialogue, not division,” Balofin said.

Trump’s remarks, made on October 31 and reinforced by a November 2 post on his Truth Social platform urging U.S. forces to “prepare for possible action,” have drawn widespread reactions. In response, President Bola Tinubu described the U.S. designation as a “gross exaggeration,” reaffirming his administration’s dedication to collaborating with international partners to combat extremism and preserve national unity.

Balofin cautioned against misrepresenting Nigeria’s complex security realities, noting that the violence often stems from resource-based and communal conflicts affecting both Christians and Muslims. He explained that many of the major incidents cited in global reports occurred before Tinubu assumed office in 2023, adding that the current administration has since taken decisive steps to strengthen security.

Referring to the June 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where over 200 Christians lost their lives, Balofin commended Tinubu’s swift intervention, which included visiting the affected area, ordering immediate arrests, and ensuring that 41 suspects were detained within weeks. “President Tinubu displayed empathy and firm leadership, sending a strong message that impunity will not be tolerated,” he stated.

He dismissed allegations of government indifference as politically driven narratives aimed at undermining the president ahead of the 2027 elections. “Certain opposition figures are deliberately distorting facts to weaken Tinubu’s administration and derail its reform agenda,” Balofin said, adding that such misinformation could discourage international cooperation and investment.

Balofin urged the U.S. government to reinforce its partnership with Nigeria through judicial reforms, interfaith dialogues, and diaspora-led initiatives that foster mutual understanding and accurate representation of events.

He also reassured Nigerians in the diaspora that diplomatic channels are actively working to ease tensions and correct misconceptions. “Through APC USA’s advocacy and backchannel engagements, President Trump will be fully briefed, preventing unnecessary escalation. Our commitment to bridge-building remains steadfast,” he said.

Balofin concluded by emphasizing that the current dispute offers “an opportunity to deepen U.S.–Nigeria relations built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared democratic values.”