The US chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has written to the leadership of the US Congress, urging caution over recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
The letter follows US President Donald Trump’s recent vow to send American troops to Nigeria if the claimed genocide against Christians is not stopped.
The APC USA urged diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention in a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Senate Minority Leader John Thune on November 5, 2025.
The letter acknowledged America’s support for global religious freedom but cautioned against “distorted narratives” about Nigeria’s security.
The letter, written by the chapter’s chairman, Prof. Tai Balofin, expressed worry that Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” could be affected by misinformation and party politics in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Balofin emphasized that, while violent occurrences have tragically cost many lives, they are primarily the result of long-standing community and resource-based conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, not intentional religious persecution.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated impartial and decisive leadership in addressing insecurity.
“Following the June 2025 massacre in Benue State, where over 200 predominantly Christian lives were lost, he visited the affected community, directed the arrest of the perpetrators, and ensured their prosecution under terrorism and murder laws,” it said.
The group argued that such acts reflect Tinubu’s “uncompromising policy against impunity,” emphasizing that his government’s commitment to justice and peace is inclusive and non-religious.
The APC USA also warned that exaggerated portrayals of Nigeria’s security crisis might hurt bilateral relations, discourage foreign investment, and weaken cooperation between both nations in counterterrorism and development initiatives.
“Rather than consider military measures, we urge the U.S. Congress to prioritise diplomatic and cooperative solutions.
“Judicial collaboration, interfaith dialogue programmes, and verified diaspora engagement are more sustainable paths to peace,” he said.
The APC USA reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a credible information channel, stating that it was prepared to brief congressional staff or facilitate direct communication with Nigerian authorities in order to promote balanced understanding and informed policymaking.
The letter concluded with a call to US lawmakers to continue developing Nigeria and the United States’ long-standing alliance, which is based on shared democratic ideals and human rights.
