The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has hailed the United States’ recent intervention against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro as a warning to governments lacking legitimacy.

ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said in a statement on Monday that while the party supports national sovereignty and non-interference, as enshrined in Articles 2(1) and 2(4) of the UN Charter, these principles should not shield tyranny, electoral fraud, or the denial of citizens’ rights.

Abdullahi highlighted that the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election was widely criticized as illegitimate and flawed by Latin American governments, the European Union, and other democratic institutions. According to him, the electoral process was marred by fraud, repression, and exclusion, with political opponents barred from contesting and peaceful protests violently suppressed.

He noted that the resulting political and social instability triggered mass migration, undermining regional stability. “While the US intervention raises questions under international law, the wave of public support for the move within Venezuela underscores the Maduro government’s crisis of legitimacy,” Abdullahi said.

The ADC spokesman also criticized Nigeria for its silence more than 48 hours after the developments, emphasizing that sovereignty must reflect the will of the people rather than mere regime survival. “In Nigeria, Venezuela, and worldwide, democracy must go beyond ballots; it must guarantee freedom, fairness, and a better life for citizens,” he added.

Abdullahi concluded that the situation in Venezuela serves as a cautionary tale for authoritarian leaders globally.