MPAC Faults U.S. Delegation for ‘Sectarian Engagement’ During Nigeria Visit

MPAC Faults U.S. Delegation for ‘Sectarian Engagement’ During Nigeria Visit

Lagos, Nigeria – December 9, 2025:
The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) has strongly criticized the conduct of a visiting United States congressional delegation, accusing one of its members of engaging in a “sectarian-tilted” visit that undermines Nigeria’s delicate interfaith balance.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, MPAC expressed concern over the actions of U.S. Congressman Riley Moore, who publicly highlighted his meetings with Christian and traditional leaders in Benue State while allegedly excluding all major Muslim institutions and affected Muslim communities.

Moore, a vocal advocate of claims describing violence in parts of Nigeria as “Christian genocide,” posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account that he came to Nigeria “in the name of the Lord and on behalf of the American people,” noting that he held discussions with Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, Bishop Isaac Dugu, and Tiv traditional ruler, HRH James Ioruza. He also referenced meetings with the Pope’s representative in Benue State.

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MPAC argued that Moore’s selective engagement sent a troubling message.

“In a country where religion remains a sensitive and defining feature of our national life, a prominent member of the delegation chose—quite deliberately—to meet only a narrow band of actors,” the statement said. “This was not a scheduling oversight. It was a message.”

The group noted that the delegation did not visit the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), the umbrella body for the Muslim community, nor did they meet with Muslim victims of violence or leaders of Muslim communities affected by conflict.

MPAC questioned the neutrality of the U.S. mission, asking how a fact-finding delegation could ignore a major religious constituency in a multi-faith nation. It warned that such selective engagement risked deepening divisions and emboldening extremist narratives.

“These actions do not suggest impartial diplomacy. They suggest partisanship,” MPAC stated, alleging that certain U.S.-based religious lobbies and “extreme voices” known for anti-Muslim rhetoric may be influencing American policy toward Nigeria.

The organisation listed what it described as a “dangerous pattern” of selective listening, selective engagement, and selective outrage—actions it says could undermine peace and coexistence among Nigeria’s religious groups.

MPAC called for transparency in the formation of U.S. policy on Nigeria and demanded that engagements with the country reflect fairness and respect for all communities.

“Nigeria must not become a playground for imported prejudice or religiously skewed foreign policy,” the group warned.

The statement was signed by MPAC Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, who reiterated the organisation’s commitment to truth, justice, and peace.

MPAC Faults U.S. Delegation for ‘Sectarian Engagement’ During Nigeria Visit