THE African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Federal Government for failing to comment on the arrest of Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro, by the United States, describing the silence as troubling and embarrassing for Nigeria.
In a statement released yesterday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the development should serve as a warning to governments that lack legitimacy.
According to the ADC, the arrest highlights growing global intolerance for flawed electoral processes and illegitimate leadership.
Maduro and his wife were reportedly arrested during a U.S. military operation authorised by President Donald Trump and subsequently flown to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and arms offences.
Reacting to the incident, the ADC lamented Nigeria’s failure to issue any response, noting that several other countries had reacted publicly.
The party argued that President Bola Tinubu’s silence reflects fear that similar actions could one day be taken against leaders perceived as illegitimate.
While reiterating its respect for national sovereignty and the principle of non-interference enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the ADC maintained that such principles should not be used to protect tyranny or electoral fraud.
The opposition party recalled that Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election was widely criticised by the international community, citing allegations of repression, exclusion of opposition candidates, violent crackdowns on protests and manipulation of state institutions.
It added that the public celebrations that followed Maduro’s arrest underscored what it described as a deep crisis of legitimacy within his government.
More than 48 hours after the arrest, the ADC said Nigeria’s continued silence points to a decline in the country’s moral authority and global standing.
The party warned that the situation in Venezuela should serve as a cautionary tale to authoritarian leaders and election riggers worldwide, insisting that “contrived mandates will no longer find a place to hide.”