The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump, challenging recent assertions circulating within certain American conservative circles that Christians are presently facing genocide in Nigeria. The letter, dated November 5th, 2025, and signed by APC USA Chairman Prof. Tai Balofin, argues that such claims are largely politically motivated, especially as Nigeria approaches its 2027 general elections.
In the correspondence, the APC USA chapter acknowledges Trump’s global advocacy for religious freedom, describing it as “a cause that resonates deeply with the democratic ideals of both nations.”
However, the group urges a reconsideration of the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the religious freedom framework, emphasizing the positive reforms undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since taking office.
The letter contends that much of the narrative portraying a Christian genocide misrepresents the root causes of violence in Nigeria. It explains, “Much of what is being cited as ‘religious genocide’ in Nigeria arises from entrenched communal conflicts, especially over land, water and grazing routes — conflicts which historically involve both Christians and Muslims.”
Highlighting the government’s response to violent incidents, the APC USA notes the June 2025 massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, where over 200 predominantly Christian villagers lost their lives. The letter recalls that President Tinubu visited the affected community, promptly ordered arrests, and directed the suspects be charged under Nigeria’s stringent terrorism and murder laws. This, the letter asserts, stands “as evidence of impartial state action rather than religious bias,” and describes the government’s stance as “an unequivocal zero-tolerance stance against impunity, regardless of faith.”
Further concerns are raised about the international discourse on Nigeria’s security challenges, warning that some narratives appear to be shaped by local politicians seeking to exploit the situation for partisan advantage as the country prepares for its next elections. The APC USA warns that these unverified and politically amplified accounts risk undermining investor confidence and weakening Nigeria’s standing as a strategic U.S. partner in West Africa.
The letter advocates for diplomacy, judicial cooperation, and interfaith peacebuilding as the most responsible and effective responses, cautioning against military approaches. “Military escalation could inadvertently destabilise a vital partner, inflame divisions, and embolden the extremists both nations seek to defeat,” the letter warns.
In concluding, the APC USA Chapter affirms its readiness to act as a liaison between U.S. policymakers and credible Nigerian stakeholders to ensure foreign policy decisions are informed by accurate and balanced information rather than politically motivated distortions.
Expressing confidence in ongoing collaboration, the letter ends by emphasizing the foundations of the U.S.–Nigeria relationship: “mutual respect, democracy, and shared values.”
