By Segun Onibiyo
(Kaduna) On the bustling streets of Lagos and the digital corridors of social media, Nigerian enthusiasm for Donald Trump remains strong in 2024, driven by a complex mix of geopolitical hopes, religious sentiments, and possibly similar frustrations.
Four years ago, Trumpmania was evident in prayer parades like the one organized for Trump’s re-election by the most Reverend Daddy Hezekiah of Christ’s Mission Church in Onitsha. The banners and ballyhoo documented the gratitude of many that Trump had sold much needed bomber aircraft to the Nigerian government for its fight against the Boko Haram Islamist insurgency.
Those spectacles haven’t been seen in 2024, although TruthNigeria correspondent Tom Garba reports that clergy in Yola were fervently praying for a Trump comeback in the last week before the election.
Dr. Frederik Anselm, a political Science lecturer at the Rivers state University, while talking to TruthNigeria via phone says Nigerian support for Trump isn’t monolithic but “driven by perceptions of Trump as an unpredictable yet decisive leader who challenges global diplomatic norms.”
Economic considerations also factor into support for Trump, who blames President Biden and Vice President Harris for runaway inflation, which resonates with Nigerians who are hungry because of inflation far worse. The economies of both countries are struggling.
Some Nigerians believe Trump’s “America First” policy paradoxically created more global economic opportunities. “His trade policies forced countries to negotiate more fairly,” argues Chukwuma Okonkwo, an Abuja based economic commentator told Truth Nigeria.
Trump Seen as Adept in Diplomacy
Other Nigerians point to Trump’s foreign policy achievements, particularly the “Abraham Accords” that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. “He brought peace to the Middle East in ways no previous administration did,” argues Funmi Adebayo, a legal consultant in Abuja told Truth Nigeria.
Reverend Michael Okonkwo from Port Harcourt explains to TruthNigeria via text message: “Trump’s policies towards Israel and his stance against radical Islamic terrorism resonate with many Nigerian Christians who have experienced communal violence.”
Many Nigerian Trump enthusiasts believe Trump’s approach to international relations could help solve regional security challenges. “Under Trump, Boko Haram and similar terrorist groups would face more decisive action,” claims James Okeke, a security analyst from Enugu said to TruthNigeria.
On social media platforms Nigerian Trump supporters have been creating a vocal digital ecosystem. Adebayo Oluwaseun, a 35-year-old IT professional from Lagos, typifies this emerging trend.
“Trump represents strength and doesn’t apologize for protecting American interests,” he posted recently. “We need leaders like that in Africa too.”
Many Nigerian Christians view Trump as a defender of religious freedoms and a bulwark against what they perceive as Islamic extremism.
Social media posts reveal a range of motivations. Some appreciate Trump’s business background, seeing him as a potential model of economic pragmatism. Others are attracted to his confrontational style, viewing it as a refreshing departure from traditional diplomatic language.
Hassan Muhammad, a 28-year-old trader in Kano, represents a different perspective. “Trump speaks directly. No diplomatic nonsense. That’s leadership,” he said to Truth Nigeria.
Religious dynamics play a significant role. Many Nigerian evangelical Christians view Trump as a defender of Christian values, particularly his stance on abortion and religious liberty.
Pastor Samuel Adebayo from Lagos argues, “Trump stands for traditional Christian values in a world that’s increasingly secular. That is why we have raise am alter praying for him to win so the Bible can become a reference point in not just America but the world.”
Former Nigerian Congressman Stands with Trump
Prominent among Nigeria’s ruling class who back Trump this year is Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinmma, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, who told Vanguard that though he is normally with the Democrat Party in the United States, he sides with Trump now, because Republican administrations have shown more support for Nigeria.
Agbonayinmma was quoted by Vanguard as saying that under former Democratic President Barack Obama, the United States withheld arms to Nigeria to aid its fight against insurgency. This stance only changed under Republican President Donald Trump, who approved arms sales crucial in Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram.
“Trump has the ability to do more for Nigeria than Kamala Harris,” Agbonaiyinmma said, adding: “Democrats often view us as if we lack agency or vision.”
Agbonayinmma voiced disappointment in the current Democratic administration’s lack of engagement with Nigeria. He told Vanguard: “Despite Nigeria’s significance as Africa’s most populous country, President Joe Biden has not visited Nigeria. Democrats have been slow to support us in combatting insurgency and corruption.”
But the former Representative criticized Democratic policies that erode traditional values, too. “Morality [in the United States] is being compromised. Children are now exposed to lessons in schools that undermine our values. This isn’t the America we envisioned; it’s not what our forefathers built,” he said.
Segun Onibiyo is an investigative reporter for TruthNigeria from Kaduna.
