‘Distorted narratives’ – APC writes US Congress, dismisses Christian genocide in Nigeria

The All Progressives Congress in the United States has written to the leadership of the US Congress, urging caution over recent claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.

The letter dated November 5, 2025, is coming following US President Donald Trump’s recent threat to deploy American military forces to Nigeria if the alleged genocide against Christians is not stopped.

The APC-USA, in the letter addressed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mike Johnson; Senate Majority Leader, Chuck Schumer; House Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries; and Senate Minority Leader, John Thune, called for diplomatic engagement rather than military intervention.

The APC-USA said it recognised America’s commitment to global religious freedom but warned against what it described as “distorted narratives” about Nigeria’s security situation.

Signed by the chapter’s chairman, Prof Tai Balofin, the letter expressed concern that the recent classification of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by Trump could be influenced by misinformation and partisan politics within Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Balofin, while violent incidents have tragically claimed many lives, they stem largely from long-standing communal and resource-based conflicts between farmers and herders in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, rather than targeted 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,” the letter said.