ADC Slams Tinubu Over Nigeria’s Exclusion from U.S. Commercial Talks

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticised the exclusion of Nigeria from high-level commercial talks hosted by the United States at the White House this week, describing it as a glaring consequence of what it called President Bola Tinubu’s “economic and diplomatic failures.”

In a press statement released on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, and signed by the party’s Interim National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed dismay at the U.S. government’s decision to invite the Presidents of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, and Senegal—while sidelining Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy.

According to the party, the exclusion is a clear signal of the declining international confidence in the Tinubu-led administration and a testament to Nigeria’s diminishing global relevance under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

“The Biden administration’s emphasis on working with countries that have shown ‘the ability and willingness to help themselves’ is a subtle yet profound indictment of the APC government’s mismanagement,” the statement read.

“Although we are Africa’s largest economy with the biggest consumer market and the most influential diaspora, the U.S. chose to engage countries whose combined GDP is a fraction of ours. This demonstrates that in global diplomacy, size means nothing without visionary leadership, transparency, and policy coherence.”

The ADC noted that Nigeria’s absence from such a critical global platform would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, pointing to what it described as the country’s declining status as both a regional and continental power.

The party further criticised Nigeria’s recent alignment with BRICS, warning that the move had exposed the country to diplomatic backlash, including a proposed 10% tariff threat reportedly floated by former U.S. President Donald Trump. While stating that it does not oppose Nigeria’s participation in BRICS in principle, the ADC argued that the country is now “punching below its weight” on the global stage.

The ADC also took a swipe at President Tinubu’s extended visit to the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, questioning the strategic value of such trips amid pressing global diplomatic opportunities.

“While world leaders are discussing the future of trade and economic cooperation at the White House, Nigeria’s president is vacationing in the Caribbean,” the party stated. “This is symptomatic of an administration that lacks both vision and direction in foreign policy.”

According to the ADC, the Tinubu administration has not only squandered opportunities for economic growth but is now relegating Nigeria to the sidelines of international decision-making.

The statement concluded with a call to Nigerians to “reject the future the APC seeks to impose” and demand a new leadership that is “globally respected, economically competent, and committed to restoring Nigeria’s pride and influence on the world stage.”