The recent trip by a United States congressional delegation to Nigeria has landed them in hot water, with the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) calling out their engagements as nothing short of biased. MPAC is fuming, accusing the US visitors of playing favorites and not showing the neutrality expected from international guests. This whole drama has stirred up quite a storm, raising questions about fairness and representation in Nigeria’s complex social fabric.
- US delegation’s visit to Nigeria under fire from MPAC.
- Accusations of ‘sectarian, unbalanced, and troubling’ consultations.
- Concerns over selective meetings and exclusion of Muslim communities.
- US lawmaker Riley Moore’s statements and actions under scrutiny.
- MPAC warns against imported prejudice and religiously skewed foreign policy.
- Call for fairness, respect, and balanced engagement from international partners.
MPAC Sounds Alarm on US Delegation’s ‘Partisan’ Engagements
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has come out swinging, strongly criticizing a recent visit by a United States congressional delegation to Nigeria. In a stern statement released on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, MPAC didn’t hold back, labeling the delegation’s consultations as “sectarian, unbalanced, and frankly, troubling.” The group feels that the delegation, ostensibly in Nigeria for security talks, completely missed the mark on neutrality, a key trait expected of foreign partners.
A Tale of Two Meetings: Exclusion and Amplification
MPAC pointed fingers at specific actions, highlighting how at least one member of the delegation seemed to actively prioritize meetings with Christian and traditional leaders. This selective approach, according to MPAC, deliberately shut out major Muslim institutions and communities. The organization was particularly irked by statements made by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore on X (formerly Twitter). Moore’s phrase, “in the name of the Lord,” coupled with his descriptions of meetings with Catholic bishops and a traditional ruler as “deeply moving,” raised red flags. He even went as far as repeating allegations of a “genocidal campaign” by Fulani groups in Benue State.
MPAC believes Moore’s actions weren’t just random; they were a calculated move to push a specific religious narrative. It’s quite telling that he found time for Christian leaders and a papal representative but completely bypassed the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the main body representing Nigeria’s Muslim population. Talk about a clear miss!
Ignoring the Other Half: The Consequences of Selective Engagement
The sting gets deeper as MPAC reveals that the delegation also failed to connect with Muslim communities affected by violence or to hear the stories of Muslim victims. These experiences are, without a doubt, a critical piece of Nigeria’s security and humanitarian puzzle. MPAC argues that such glaring omissions seriously undermine the delegation’s claim of neutrality and the credibility of any findings they might present about Nigeria’s complex security situation. It leaves one wondering how a delegation seeking an honest picture of Nigeria’s religiously diverse society could so deliberately cut off one of its largest religious groups. This intentional avoidance, while warmly embracing Christian leadership, strongly suggests partisanship and possible influence from extreme religious lobbies back in the United States, a real concerning pattern.
A Warning Against Imported Prejudice
MPAC issued a stern warning, urging Nigeria to be vigilant against becoming “a playground for imported prejudice or religiously skewed foreign policy.” They expressed deep worry that the selective engagement by powerful international actors could easily fuel suspicion between Muslim and Christian communities, disrupt the fragile peace, and embolden those who thrive on division. This selective listening and selective outrage from some international observers, MPAC noted, could further erode trust in crucial international partnerships, especially those involving security and humanitarian aid.
Key Questions Raised by MPAC:
- Why was the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) excluded from the delegation’s meetings?
- Why were Muslim victims of violence ignored during the delegation’s engagements?
- What mechanisms are in place to ensure U.S. policy concerning Nigeria isn’t unduly influenced by extremist religious lobbies abroad?
The Call for Fairness and Balance
To wrap it all up, MPAC is demanding fairness, respect, and balanced engagement from all international partners. They emphasized that Nigerian Muslims deserve to be heard and represented, and any genuine assessment of the country’s challenges must include voices from all communities. MPAC reiterated its unwavering commitment to speaking out against injustice and championing peace. They urged global actors to approach Nigeria with the impartiality and moral responsibility that the nation’s context truly demands.
This situation highlights the delicate nature of international relations and the importance of inclusive dialogue in addressing complex issues. It’s a reminder that true understanding comes from listening to all sides, not just a select few.
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