Opposition party says Nigeria’s failure to speak on Venezuela crisis undermines its historic leadership role in global diplomacy
in the ongoing Venezuela and US crisis, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration over what it described as Nigeria’s disturbing silence on the unfolding political crisis in Venezuela, warning that the country is rapidly losing its influence and credibility on the global stage.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the ADC said Nigeria’s failure to take a clear diplomatic position on recent developments in Venezuela reflects a decline in the nation’s foreign policy relevance, especially at a time when other countries are actively responding to the crisis.
According to the party, Nigeria, once regarded as Africa’s diplomatic powerhouse, should not remain mute on major international events involving democracy, sovereignty, and global security.
The ADC described the silence as “embarrassing and unacceptable”, arguing that Nigeria’s absence from the global conversation signals a loss of confidence and moral authority in international affairs.
“Nigeria used to be a respected voice on global issues. Today, under this administration, that voice has gone silent,” the party stated.
The opposition party further dismissed claims that Nigeria’s position amounts to diplomatic neutrality, insisting that silence in moments of global crisis is not neutrality but weakness.
ADC noted that successive Nigerian governments in the past were bold in taking principled stands on international matters, particularly those affecting democracy and human rights.
The party also linked Nigeria’s silence on Venezuela to broader concerns about the country’s foreign policy direction under President Tinubu, including the delay in appointing substantive ambassadors to key countries.
ADC warned that continued diplomatic passivity could further erode Nigeria’s leadership role within Africa, the United Nations, and other multilateral platforms.
The party urged the Tinubu administration to urgently reassert Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, stressing that Africa’s most populous nation cannot afford to remain on the sidelines while global power dynamics evolve.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government has not issued any official statement on the Venezuela situation.
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