For Immediate Release | Date: November 4, 2025 | Issued by: APC Youth Wing West Africa

The All-Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Wing, West Africa Chapter, expresses deep concern and firm objection to the recent statement by United States President Donald J. Trump, designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and suggesting possible military action under the pretext of protecting religious freedom.
The West Africa Youth Wing considers this declaration a serious misrepresentation of Nigeria’s reality and a position that undermines the principles of mutual respect, diplomacy, and partnership that have long characterized Nigeria–U.S. relations.

Nigeria Is Not a Country of Religious Persecution.
Nigeria remains a multi-faith democracy governed by the rule of law, where freedom of religion and belief are constitutionally guaranteed under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria are not targeted against any single faith — both Christians and Muslims have been victims of attacks by insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP. To portray these crimes as government-backed or religiously motivated persecution is factually incorrect and dangerously misleading. The APC Youth Wing West Africa reaffirms that Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, continues to uphold religious tolerance, interfaith dialogue, and equality before the law.

The Tinubu Administration’s Ongoing Efforts:
The Tinubu administration has taken deliberate and measurable steps to strengthen national security and peacebuilding through:

• Reinforced military and intelligence coordination across all regions.
• Renewed partnerships with global allies, including the United States, on counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.
• Inclusive governance and interfaith engagement, promoting unity and mutual respect among all faith communities.
• These actions demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability — a commitment that must be acknowledged, not mischaracterized.

The Dangers of Inaccurate Global Narratives:
The APC West African Chapter warns that such sweeping and unsubstantiated statements from the highest levels of foreign leadership risk fueling misinformation, distorting diplomatic engagement, and emboldening extremist propaganda. Nigeria and the United States have shared decades of cooperation built on mutual trust, democratic values, and strategic partnership. It is therefore important that official communication reflects accuracy, restraint, and respect for national sovereignty.

Nigeria’s Unity and Resilience:
Nigeria’s strength lies in the unity of its people, not in foreign opinions or sensational narratives. Across its regions and religions, Nigerians continue to live, trade, and worship together as one resilient nation striving toward collective progress.
No external commentary can diminish the ongoing work being done by Nigerians — especially the youth — to build a peaceful and prosperous nation under democratic governance.

Call to the International Community:
The APC Youth Wing West Africa Chapter urges the international community to seek balanced, evidence-based information when addressing Nigeria’s domestic issues. We invite global partners to deepen cooperation with Nigeria through dialogue, mutual understanding, and shared security objectives — not through unilateral labels or rhetoric that may incite division.

Appeal to Nigerian Youths:
We call on all Nigerian youths, regardless of religion or political affiliation, to remain calm, united, and patriotic. This is not a time for divisions or social media hysteria.
This is a moment for collective maturity — not outrage. The APC Youth Wing reaffirms its commitment to national cohesion and to defending Nigeria’s image through responsible communication and diplomatic engagement.

Nigeria is not a nation of persecution but a nation of perseverance, faith, and hope.
We therefore respectfully urge President Donald Trump and the United States administration to reconsider this inaccurate designation and to engage through established diplomatic channels in addressing any concerns. The APC Youth Wing West Africa Chapter stands firmly with the Federal Government of Nigeria in defending our nation’s dignity, promoting peace, and strengthening international cooperation based on truth and mutual respect.

Signed:
APC Youth Wing West Africa Chapter