The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu following Nigeria’s exclusion from high-level U.S.-Africa trade talks.
The party described the snub as a sign that Nigeria is no longer respected under Tinubu’s leadership. In a scathing statement, the ADC said the U.S. chose to work with smaller African nations over Nigeria due to Tinubu’s failed economic policies and lack of global credibility.
They added that while other countries are securing investment deals, Tinubu is busy “pushing drugs,” referencing long-standing allegations from his past. The ADC warned that Nigeria’s international relevance is quickly eroding under the current administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday by its interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party expressed deep concern over the United States’ decision to invite the Presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal to Washington for commercial talks—while leaving out Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria.
Describing the move as an “international indictment” of President Tinubu’s leadership, the ADC said Nigeria’s absence from the event is symbolic of the country’s waning credibility on the global stage.
“For years, African intellectuals and leaders have advocated for the West to shift from aid to trade in its relationship with Africa,” the ADC said. “Now that an American President is championing trade over charity, Nigeria has been sidelined.”
The party noted that the three-day summit, which began Wednesday, is aimed at fostering business partnerships between the U.S. and African nations that have shown “the ability, and willingness, to help themselves.” The ADC argued that Nigeria’s absence from the list of invitees reveals that the Tinubu-led administration is no longer considered a serious partner in global economic circles.
“This exclusion is a damning reflection of how the world perceives Nigeria today,” the statement continued. “Despite our status as Africa’s biggest economy, largest consumer market, and home to a globally influential diaspora, the U.S. chose to engage smaller nations with combined GDPs that pale in comparison to ours. Clearly, global players now prioritize leadership, transparency, and accountability over size alone.”
According to the ADC, Nigeria’s fall from international relevance is a recent development: “Just a few years ago, such a gathering would have been incomplete without Nigeria at the table. Today, it’s a different story.”
In a further blow to Nigeria’s global standing, the ADC highlighted recent reports that former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 10% tariff on Nigeria, citing its decision to formally join the BRICS alliance in January 2025. The ADC clarified that while it does not oppose Nigeria’s participation in BRICS, it is critical of the country “punching below its weight” on the international stage.
“If Nigeria had maintained its leadership role in Africa and the confidence of the international community, we would not only have been present at the White House meeting, but would have also championed the African Union’s position on global trade,” the statement added, referencing Nigeria’s influential presence in global institutions—particularly through Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who currently heads the World Trade Organization.
The ADC also accused the APC-led government of diminishing Nigeria’s leadership status within regional blocs like ECOWAS.
“Once the acknowledged powerhouse of the continent, Nigeria now finds itself sidelined, engaging with countries like St. Lucia—a nation whose GDP is less than 1% of ours and whose population is smaller than a local government area in Nigeria,” the party said, pointing to President Tinubu’s recent week-long visit to the Caribbean island.
The ADC concluded that under the current administration, Nigeria is not only experiencing economic stagnation, but also losing its voice in spaces where consequential decisions and investments are being made.
“The APC has not only stalled our economic growth but has robbed us of the chance to help shape the global agenda. We’re no longer invited to the table where our future is being decided,” the statement declared.
