Group Condemns Senator Ted Cruz’s Push to Re-Label Nigeria, Warns Against Religious Polarisation

A group has criticised U.S. Senator Ted Cruz over his continued calls for Nigeria to be redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), describing the move as a misrepresentation of the country’s security realities and an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty.

The group noted that the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously removed Nigeria from the CPC list after what it described as verified progress and sustained diplomatic engagement.

According to the statement, Senator Cruz’s renewed campaign to have Nigeria re-listed appears to rely on a narrative that oversimplifies the country’s security challenges by portraying them primarily as religious persecution.

It argued that Nigeria’s insecurity is a complex national crisis that affects people of all faiths, including Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other religions, rather than a conflict driven solely by religion.

The group warned that presenting the crisis through a purely religious lens risks creating a distorted international perception of Nigeria, potentially undermining ongoing peace efforts and encouraging foreign policies that do not accurately reflect the country’s security situation.

It also urged Christians in Nigeria and across the world to critically assess the facts and reject narratives capable of deepening religious divisions.

“True friends of Nigeria should support peace, reconciliation, sustainable development, interfaith cooperation, and respect for the country’s sovereignty,” the statement said.

The group further cautioned that rhetoric capable of heightening religious tensions poses a threat to all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.

It highlighted the role of Nigeria’s security forces, made up of both Christians and Muslims, who continue to work together in combating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry.

According to the statement, these criminal groups have indiscriminately targeted churches, mosques, schools, markets, and rural communities, making it inaccurate to frame the security crisis as affecting only one religious group.

The group maintained that overlooking the shared sacrifices of Nigerians in favour of what it described as a divisive political narrative does a disservice to victims of insecurity across the country.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s sovereignty, the group rejected what it called attempts by foreign political actors to exploit the country’s internal challenges for ideological or political interests.

It called on the international community, diplomatic partners, media organisations, and Nigerians of all religious and ethnic backgrounds to reject divisive rhetoric and instead support initiatives that promote national unity, peace, security, and sustainable development.