The Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC, has criticised a recent visit by a United States congressional delegation to Nigeria, alleging that members of the team engaged in “sectarian” and “biased” consultations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, MPAC singled out U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, who has previously promoted claims of “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
The organisation said Moore wrote on X that he travelled “in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” noting his meetings with Catholic bishops Wilfred Anagbe and Isaac Dugu, as well as Tiv traditional ruler James Ioruza, during a visit to Benue State.
MPAC said Moore’s exclusive engagement with Christian and traditional leaders without corresponding outreach to Muslim leaders sent a troubling signal in a country where religious identity remains deeply significant. The group added that the delegation did not meet with the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,,, NSCIA, the apex Muslim body, nor with Muslim communities affected by violence.
“This was not a scheduling oversight. It was a message,” the organisation said, arguing that the pattern of engagement “suggests partisanship” and mirrors narratives promoted by “extreme Christian propagandists” and other U.S.-based pressure groups.
The statement warned that selective consultations could heighten mistrust, embolden extremist actors, and strain Nigeria’s delicate interfaith relations. MPAC also questioned why Muslim victims and institutions were excluded and raised concerns about the influence of foreign religious lobbies.particularly evangelical and Zionist groups on U.S. policy toward Nigeria.
“Nigeria must not become a playground for imported prejudice or religiously skewed foreign policy,” the organisation cautioned.
MPAC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice and urged international partners to engage Nigeria with fairness, balance, and respect for its religious diversity.