High-Stakes Showdown: APC Demands Voice In U.S. Congress Review Of Trump’s Nigeria Blacklisting

According to Ireporter Online, the United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has formally requested permission to testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Africa as American lawmakers prepare to review former President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged genocide against Christians.

The review is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2025, during a congressional session expected to scrutinize the basis for the controversial designation. In anticipation, APC USA Chairman, Tai Balofin, confirmed that the group had written to the Subcommittee Chairman, Chris Smith, seeking inclusion in the hearing.

Balofin explained that the organisation is ready to send a high-level delegation capable of providing what it described as credible intelligence, firsthand assessments and verified security data from Nigeria. He argued that international discussions on Nigeria’s insecurity often fail to capture the multi-layered realities on the ground.

In a statement released in Abuja, Balofin noted that the narrative circulated abroad tends to oversimplify the crisis by framing it solely as religious persecution, whereas several factors—including banditry, resource-based conflicts, climate-related pressures, and transnational criminal activities—play significant roles. He emphasised that the group is prepared to appear before Congress at any moment.

Balofin also stated that the proposed testimony would outline what the APC views as notable improvements in national security under President Bola Tinubu. He referenced progress in weakening terrorist networks, strengthening community early-warning mechanisms, and expanding interfaith harmony initiatives. According to him, recent declines in attacks across key hotspots have been documented by Nigerian authorities as well as independent global observers.

In addition, APC USA intends to present recommendations aimed at deepening U.S.–Nigeria cooperation in areas such as intelligence exchange, security support, and humanitarian assistance—efforts they believe are essential for safeguarding all religious communities while preserving diplomatic ties.

Balofin further commended Chris Smith for his longstanding commitment to global human rights and religious freedom, urging the lawmaker to grant APC USA the opportunity to contribute to what they described as a balanced and solution-driven discussion.

This development follows Nigeria’s criticism of the United States for excluding it from a UN event organised by American rapper Nicki Minaj on alleged targeted killings of Nigerians belonging to a specific faith group.