The Labour Party has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what it described as a weak and inadequate response to the growing security threats facing Christian communities across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Toni Akeni, reacted to the recent decision of the United States government under President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over allegations of widespread persecution and violence against Christians.
Akeni recalled a 2014 social media post by then-Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in which he accused the government at the time of failing to protect Nigerians. He urged the president to apply the same standard of accountability to his administration.
“President Tinubu must remember his own words in 2014 when he criticised the government for neglecting its duty to safeguard citizens. The same principle should guide his actions today,” Akeni said.
He expressed concern over the recurring attacks in rural areas, particularly in the North and Middle Belt regions, where residents continue to lose their lives and livelihoods. “Entire communities are being displaced daily, and this situation cannot be ignored or downplayed,” he added.
While welcoming renewed international attention to Nigeria’s security challenges, Akeni urged the United States and other global partners to provide technical assistance, intelligence sharing, and equipment support to strengthen Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The Labour Party also called for balanced international concern for all victims of violence, regardless of their faith. “We appeal to the global community to also acknowledge the suffering of moderate Muslim communities who have equally been targets of terrorist attacks,” Akeni said.
He further commended religious and community leaders across faiths for their continued advocacy for peace and unity, noting that their efforts remain vital to Nigeria’s stability.
