U.S. Election Drives Conversations in Nigeria
By Olatunde Marolan
(Lagos) As the United States gears up for one of its most contentious elections in history, the battle between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is being closely watched around the globe—particularly in Nigeria, where American politics have long held significant sway. Nigerians are no mere spectators in this political showdown; they are invested, with many wondering which candidate would emerge victorious if the election were held on their soil.
Nigerians and U.S. Politics: Why the Interest?
For many Nigerians, the policies coming out of the White House affect much more than just America. “The decisions made in Washington impact our country, especially in areas such as religion and the economy,” said Rev. David Azamman, Assistant General Overseer of King Worship Chapel and Ministry in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria to TruthNigeria.
It’s not just religious leaders who are paying attention. Many Nigerians, especially the youth, follow global politics with keen interest, believing that U.S. leadership has had a direct influence on their political landscape. Some even blame the 2015 rise of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—and the economic struggles that followed—on the Obama administration’s support of the APC during that 2015 Nigerian presidential election.
Trump vs. Kamala Divide in Nigeria
The Donald has been a media topic in Nigeria – as around the world — since the rambunctious campaign of 2020. Nigeria’s Guardian depicted Trump in a sumptuous Yoruba robe favored by the Yoruba region’s “big men,” in the painting by Peter Odoakang.
“He just says it the way it is, why many Nigerians support Donald Trump” was the headline of the article in 2020 by Emmanuel Akinwotu.
In interviews and online discussions gathered by TruthNigeria, a clear opinion trend emerges among Nigerians who follow what CNN says is the most closely matched presidential race this century. Supporters of Donald Trump are drawn to his policies, especially those they believe will protect Nigeria’s cultural and religious values. On the other hand, Kamala Harris’ supporters seem to be more focused on stopping Trump rather than championing Harris herself.
Azamman looks to Trump to stop the U.S. State Department’s aggressive promotion of the agenda of gay-lesbian activists in the West: “Nigeria is a deeply religious country, and there was even a recent proposal to sign an LGBTQ+ bill for a $150 billion grant through the Samoa Agreement. Nigerians believe if Trump returns to power, LGBTQ+ issues won’t be forced on us. Only Trump can stop it.”
Conversely, some Nigerians view Trump as nothing short of toxic. In a heated Facebook debate, Nigerian expat Namso Akpan in Atlanta, a Kamala Harris supporter texting to Iboro Otongaran (CEO, Petrodata Lagos), writes: “Can you name any Trump policies you don’t like?” The reply was swift: “What would any normal person like about a criminal, convicted 34 times?” For many like Iboro Otongaran, Trump’s policies and persona are inseparable, and their disdain for him runs deep.
The Kamala Harris Question
Vice President Kamala Harris faces a different challenge among Nigerians. Whereas some argue she’s less experienced on issues such as foreign policy, economy, and immigration, others praise her stance on social issues such as women’s rights and abortion. Yet, unlike Trump’s polarizing persona, Harris doesn’t evoke as visceral a reaction. “On abortion, Kamala won that argument hands down,” said Nigerian commentator Muoghalu Johnfrank. “But on the economy, immigration, and foreign policy? She has no clue.”
What Does Nigeria Stand to Gain—or Lose?
Ultimately, for many Nigerians, the U.S. election is about more than just personalities; it’s about the future of Nigeria itself. “Donald Trump is the only one bold enough to call out corruption in Nigerian politics,” said Rev. Azamman. “He doesn’t hate Africans — he just wants things done the right way.” Trump’s perceived straightforwardness has endeared him to many Nigerians who feel let down by their government.
But there’s another side to the debate. If Kamala Harris wins, some Nigerians fear that issues such as LGBTQ+ rights will be pushed to the forefront, clashing with Nigeria’s deeply rooted cultural and religious values. As Reverend Azamman noted, “If Kamala wins, she could pressure Nigeria to approve things like same-sex marriage, which goes against our beliefs.”
In a little over a month, the United States—and the world—will know who will lead the nation called the leader of the free world for the next four years. Until then, Nigerians will be watching closely, as the ripple effects of this election will undoubtedly reach their shores.
Olatunde Marolan reports for TruthNigeria from Lagos.
