Members of the United States Congress have expressed concerns over Nigeria’s security challenges, governance and the credibility of the 2027 presidential election, warning that the country faces a growing risk of political violence and democratic instability.
The concerns were raised during a congressional hearing on Nigeria, where lawmakers examined the country’s security situation, governance structure and the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle the nation’s challenges.
Speaking before the hearing, the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, said Nigeria’s security institutions were under significant pressure, while the limited presence of judicial institutions in parts of the Middle Belt was weakening efforts to address insecurity.
Garcia also warned that the forthcoming presidential election could heighten political tensions and trigger violence.
“Nigeria will hold presidential elections in January, which could spur violence. In addition, Nigeria’s security architecture remains stretched. Its judicial reach into the Middle Belt remains limited, and the resources we can bring to bear are finite,” Garcia said.
He, however, stressed that sustained diplomatic engagement by the United States, alongside clearly defined demands and accountability measures, could help address the challenges facing Nigeria.
“But when American diplomacy is engaged, when our demands are specific, and when we hold partners accountable in private and public, we achieve results no one else can deliver,” Garcia added.
The congressional hearing also featured concerns about alleged corruption, governance failures and possible involvement of individuals within Nigeria’s political leadership in the country’s challenges. However, the allegations were not independently established in the testimony presented.
The development comes amid growing international attention to Nigeria’s democratic institutions, security situation and preparations for the next presidential election.
Critics of the Tinubu administration have also called on the US government to consider targeted sanctions and asset seizures against individuals allegedly involved in corruption or actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic process.
The critics urged Washington to hold President Tinubu, members of his family, associates and other alleged collaborators accountable where evidence of wrongdoing is established.
They also called for the use of diplomatic and economic measures to discourage electoral malpractice and safeguard the rights of Nigerian voters.
