Former Presidential candidates Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have both criticized the United States’ designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC), attributing the cause to different sources.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party candidate, described the designation as a consequence of failed leadership. In a statement on his X handle, he linked the label directly to the current administration’s performance.
“The recent pronouncement by the US government declaring Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and indicating possible military action should give every well-meaning Nigerian serious concern,” Obi stated.
He argued that while insecurity predates the current government, “what is most unfortunate is the absence of competence, commitment, prudent use of resources, patriotism and passion on the part of the APC-led administration to effectively govern and protect Nigerians.”
Obi urged for diplomatic dialogue between the two nations to address the security crisis.
In a separate reaction, former presidential candidate Rabiu Kwankwaso criticized the move by the U.S., emphasizing Nigeria’s sovereignty. He stated that the country’s security challenges affect all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.
“The insecurity we face does not distinguish based on religious, ethnic, or political beliefs,” Kwankwaso said in a statement on his official X account.
He called for international support rather than confrontation, asking the U.S. to “assist Nigeria with better cutting-edge technology to tackle these problems, rather than posing a threat that could further polarise the country.” He also advised the Nigerian government to appoint special envoys and ambassadors to better represent its interests abroad.
Both opposition leaders to called for national unity, with Kwankwaso urging Nigerians to “emphasise unity of belonging over division.”
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