Alexander Nekrassov, a former Senior Advisor to the Kremlin and an internationally renowned political commentator, has described the Nigerian opposition, the All Progressives Alliance, APC, and its leadership as “Muslim extremists”, citing concerns within Russia that “losing Nigeria to Muslim fundamentalists is simply a no go”.
In an opinion editorial, published by the internationally respected Al Jazeera news channel, Nekrassov reveals Russian concerns that Boko Haram’s insurgency is politically motivated, with the APC identified as the main benefactors. Whilst Nekrassov recognises accusations from both the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and APC of reported support to Boko Haram, he says, in reference to an anticipated all Muslim/Muslim ticket being pursued by the APC, “all things considered, Jonathan’s regime is still a better option than a coalition of the Muslim extremists that is shaping up now with an aim to win next year’s elections.”
Nekrassov also highlights predictions by Russian military analysts of a rise in violence leading up to the Presidential elections, stating “it is worth remembering that the leading APC candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, has been accused of inciting a violent uprising after losing the 2011 presidential election, resulting in nearly 1,000 deaths”.
In a sign of building international momentum, Nekrassov also lends his support to UK calls for an international investigation into Boko Haram, stating that it could “reveal a far more complex web of deceit that involves the APC and some members of President Jonathan’s government”. This follows the recent call by a prominent Conservative politician and member of the powerful UK Foreign Affairs Committee, Andrew Rosindell MP, to the British Government to launch an inquiry into the international support network of Boko Haram in Nigeria and Cameroon. The APC, following intense media scrutiny, agreed to support an investigation, however their calls for a representative on the panel has been met with condescension internationally.
The news will come as a significant blow to the APC, who have been fending off accusations of links with Boko Haram for many months. Despite spending a reported $1.2m on foreign public relations advisers, including Burson-Marsteller in London and the Prime Policy Group in Washington to ‘help peel off its Boko Haram tag’, it appears the party is losing significant international supporters with the election just 7 months away. With Russia now adding their voice to UK concerns of the party, it would appear the APC, as Nekrassov warns, is “facing a mountain to climb” in the 2015 Presidential elections.
