The African Democratic Congress has taken a swipe at the Federal Government over its conspicuous silence on the unfolding political crisis in Venezuela, describing the nation’s posture as a national embarrassment.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi, who spoke with journalists on Tuesday, lamented that Nigeria had abdicated its historic role as a continental leader and voice of reason in international affairs.
Abdullahi expressed dismay that while other African nations had taken definitive positions on the Venezuelan situation, Nigeria remained mute, despite its supposed status as a regional powerhouse.
His remarks followed weekend reports that United States President Donald Trump had announced the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.
The ADC spokesman queried why President Bola Tinubu had yet to issue any statement on a matter of such profound global significance.
“We are talking about Nigeria—a country whose leaders once commanded respect on the world stage and never hesitated to speak on critical international issues,” Abdullahi stated.
He described the Venezuelan episode as a watershed moment in global politics with serious implications for the international order.
According to him, several West African countries had already made their positions known, with the majority condemning the turn of events in the South American nation.
“Nigeria has options—it can support the development, condemn it, or adopt a neutral position. What is inexcusable is maintaining absolute silence,” the party chieftain declared.
He insisted that the nation’s reticence was beneath a country that ought to be at the forefront of continental leadership.
“The current international posture of Nigeria is both anomalous and disgraceful. We have lost our voice when the world needs to hear from us,” Abdullahi concluded.