APC Seeks Spot at US Hearing on Nigeria’s ‘Christian Genocide’ Debate

The United States chapter of the All Progressives Congress moved on Thursday to secure a place at a hearing of the US House Subcommittee on Africa as lawmakers review former President Donald Trump’s decision to label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern over alleged attacks on Christians. The party wrote to the Subcommittee Chairman, Chris Smith, saying it was ready to appear and present details on Nigeria’s security problems and the many factors driving violence across the country.

The APC USA Chairman, Tai Balofin, said the chapter plans to send a team that can brief Congress on its view of the situation. He explained that the party backs freedom of worship for every group in Nigeria but believes discussions abroad sometimes portray the crisis in a narrow way. He said the APC USA wants to explain how issues such as banditry, land disputes, climate pressures, and cross-border crime mix with the unrest often described as religious.

The party said the delegation can appear before Congress with little notice. It also said its presentation will draw attention to the security steps taken under President Bola Tinubu, including efforts to weaken terror cells, improve early-warning systems, and support peace campaigns between different religious groups. According to the group, security agencies and some foreign observers have recorded fewer attacks in parts of the country in recent months.

The APC USA also plans to ask for deeper cooperation between Nigeria and the United States in security, intelligence gathering, and humanitarian aid. The party said better ties will help protect citizens of all religions without harming the relationship between both countries.

The request comes at a time when Nigeria complained about being excluded from an event at the United Nations hosted by American rapper Nicki Minaj. The event focused on claims of killings of Nigerians from a particular faith group, and Nigeria’s envoy to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, protested that the country should not be left out of discussions that affect it. He said inviting a few foreign representatives and a Nigerian pastor while leaving out government officials created the wrong impression. He added that US officials later described the event as private, explaining that the organisers did not want Nigerian government delegates present due to fears of backlash.

Endoni said such actions could raise tension at a time when both countries should be working together. He also said Nigeria will keep talking to Washington on issues of violence and will continue to push for joint work to protect citizens.

The hearing in Congress is set for November 20, 2025, at the Rayburn House Office Building. Lawmakers will examine Trump’s recent decision to place Nigeria back on the CPC list. If the US Senate supports the move, it could allow the US government to impose restrictions on Nigerian officials accused of religious persecution and reduce some forms of aid.

Two witness panels are expected at the hearing, including top officials from the US State Department and Nigerian religious leaders. The committee will look at reports of attacks on Christians, the possible causes, and policy steps the US might consider, including sanctions and aid support.

Trump restored Nigeria to the CPC list on October 31, 2025, claiming that Christians in the country face deadly attacks. He also warned that the US could cut aid to Nigeria and might take military action if the government failed to stop the killings. The Tinubu administration rejected Trump’s claims, saying they do not reflect Nigeria’s reality. The President said Nigeria has always protected religious freedom and will continue to do so.

The broader dispute comes as security problems continue in parts of the country, with armed groups carrying out attacks on farming communities, transport routes, and villages. Both Nigeria and the United States have said they will keep working together to reduce violence and prevent further loss of lives.