Public figures and advocacy groups across Nigeria and abroad are urging two prominent opposition leaders — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party — to publicly declare their positions on the ongoing debate surrounding the Country of Particular Concern (CPC) designation being considered for Nigeria by the United States government.
The U.S. State Department uses the CPC list to identify nations that allegedly permit or engage in severe violations of religious freedom. Discussions about whether Nigeria should be added to the list have sparked renewed scrutiny over the country’s handling of inter-religious relations, security crises, and regional inequalities, particularly in the northern states.
Critics and civil society organizations have called for transparency from Nigeria’s political leaders on this issue. Some have challenged Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi — who remain influential voices in national discourse — to state clearly whether they agree or disagree with claims that Christians are being systematically targeted in parts of northern Nigeria by extremist groups and armed militias linked to ethnic or religious identities.
Human rights advocates have long raised concerns over violent attacks by insurgents, bandits, and extremist factions in regions such as Kaduna, Plateau, and Borno States, warning that many victims have been targeted based on their faith or ethnic background. However, several northern leaders and Islamic organizations insist that the violence is rooted more in economic hardship, land disputes, and governance failures than in religion.
“The world deserves clarity,” said a Lagos-based interfaith dialogue advocate, who urged all major political figures to speak honestly about what they believe is happening in the north. “We need national consensus on whether these killings are acts of genocide or symptoms of deeper social instability.”
Observers believe the reactions of Atiku and Obi could significantly shape Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and influence how international communities perceive the country’s human rights record.
While both politicians have previously condemned insecurity and religious intolerance, neither has yet made a formal statement on whether they support or oppose the potential CPC designation, which, if adopted, could lead to diplomatic consequences such as sanctions or aid restrictions from Washington.
Analysts say that open, fact-based dialogue is crucial to prevent further polarization along religious and ethnic lines. Many Nigerians are calling for responsible leadership that focuses on justice, security, and national unity rather than divisive narratives.