The African Democratic Congress has argued that international principles of sovereignty and non-interference must not be misused to protect oppressive governments or undermine democratic rights, citing recent developments in Venezuela as a stark reminder.
Speaking through its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said global governance doctrines were created to preserve peace and order, not to legitimise abuse of power or denial of citizens’ rights.
“Nevertheless, we maintain that these international governance doctrines that were ordinarily designed to maintain global order should not be invoked to provide a safe haven for tyranny, electoral fraud, or the systematic denial of a people’s right to freely choose their leaders,” the spokesman said.
The ADC noted that the 2024 Venezuelan presidential election had been widely condemned by governments across Latin America, the European Union, and international democratic institutions, all of which described the process as deeply flawed and illegitimate.
According to the party, the election was characterised by the exclusion of opposition candidates, violent repression of peaceful protests, and the misuse of state institutions against citizens, leading to mass migration that has threatened regional stability.
Abdullahi said the popular reaction within Venezuela following external intervention revealed a deeper legitimacy crisis confronting the Maduro government.
“While the United States intervention raises serious and legitimate questions under international law, one reality cannot be ignored. The visible wave of popular public support that followed within Venezuela speaks to a deeper crisis of legitimacy of the Maduro government.
“When citizens pour into the streets in celebration, it reveals more than approval of an intervention, it exposes the bankruptcy of the regime that has been upended,” he said.
The ADC also criticised the Nigerian government for failing to respond to the situation, describing its silence as damaging to the country’s international standing.
The party maintained that sovereignty must ultimately derive from the will of the people, stressing that democracy should translate into freedom, fairness, and improved living conditions, rather than serving as a tool for entrenching illegitimate power.
“In this context, the ADC believes that the situation in Venezuela is a cautionary tale to all dictators, including the supposedly elected ones, and election riggers everywhere. The world is watching, and contrived mandates will no longer find a place to hide,” Abdullahi added.
