The All Progressives Congress chapter in the United States (APC-USA) has written to the leadership of the US Congress, urging caution over recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
The appeal, dated 5 November 2025, follows US President Donald Trump’s recent warning that American military forces could be deployed to Nigeria if the alleged persecution of Christians is not halted.
In the letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson; Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; and Senate Minority Leader John Thune, the APC-USA called for diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention.
The group acknowledged the United States’ global commitment to defending religious freedom but cautioned against what it described as “distorted narratives” surrounding Nigeria’s security challenges.
Signed by the chapter’s chairman, Prof. Tai Balofin, the letter expressed concern that the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by President Trump could be influenced by misinformation and domestic political interests ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
According to Balofin, although violent clashes have claimed many lives, the incidents are largely rooted in long-standing communal and resource-based conflicts between farmers and herders in the Middle Belt, rather than a targeted campaign against Christians.
He added that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a firm and unbiased approach to security issues.
The letter referenced Tinubu’s response to the June 2025 massacre in Benue State, where over 200 predominantly Christian residents were killed, noting that the President visited the community, ordered the arrest of the perpetrators, and ensured their prosecution under terrorism and murder laws.