Lessons from Trump
Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election offers important lessons for democracies around the world, including Nigeria. While the political contexts of both countries differ, the principles that sustain any democracy—such as the role of institutions, electoral integrity, and public trust—remain universally relevant. Trump’s second term will provide critical insights into the challenges and opportunities that Nigeria’s democracy can learn from, particularly in terms of strengthening its democratic practices.
One of the most critical lessons for Nigeria is the importance of strong democratic institutions. Trump’s first term exposed how fragile democratic norms can be when institutions are tested by partisan interests and populist movements. The U.S. witnessed serious challenges to the legitimacy of its elections, including efforts to overturn the 2020 result and the attack on the Capitol in January 2021. Despite these threats, American institutions held firm. For Nigeria, this underscores the need to strengthen our democratic institutions. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and the legislature must remain independent, transparent, and effective in their roles.
In addition to strong institutions, voter engagement and inclusivity are key lessons for Nigeria. Trump’s second term was enabled by a highly motivated voter base that felt alienated by the political establishment. His ability to galvanise support from this segment of the population underscores the importance of engaging all citizens, particularly marginalised groups, and ensuring that the political system serves the needs of a broad electorate. In Nigeria, this means expanding political participation, especially among youth and women, who represent a significant portion of the population but are often underrepresented in political processes. We must continue to work toward mobilising young voters, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that they see their interests reflected in the political agenda.
Another major lesson from Trump’s presidency is the critical importance of respecting electoral outcomes. Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election sparked a national crisis, culminating in an assault on the U.S. Capitol by his supporters. This refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the election undermined public trust in the democratic process.
In Nigeria, where electoral violence and disputes are common, the need for leaders to respect electoral outcomes, even when they lose, is paramount. The 2023 presidential election petitions were a reminder that Nigeria’s democratic maturity depends on political leaders accepting the results of elections and focusing on reconciliation and nation-building rather than inciting further division. Only when Nigeria’s leaders and citizens embrace the sanctity of the electoral process can the country achieve political stability.
Trump’s confrontational approach to the media offers another valuable lesson for Nigeria. Throughout his presidency, Trump repeatedly attacked the media, calling it “fake news” and accusing journalists of bias. While the U.S. media remained a strong counterbalance to his presidency, the relationship between Trump and the press exemplified the power of media in shaping public discourse. In Nigeria, rather than clamp down on free speech, or hunting journalists, officials should prove their mettle with economic indices.
Political polarisation was a defining feature of Trump’s first term, and his second term will likely continue to amplify this division. Trump’s style of politics, often framed around populist rhetoric, deepened societal splits, with Americans increasingly divided along political, racial, and cultural lines. We face similar challenges with entrenched ethnic, religious, and regional divides that frequently play out in political contests. If our leaders refuse to prioritise national unity over division, the country will only degenerate all the more.
Trump’s presidency also highlighted the dangers of populist governance without accountability. While his political base was energised by his promises to “drain the swamp” and challenge the political establishment, his administration often faced accusations of corruption, conflicts of interest, and a lack of transparency. For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: while populist rhetoric can mobilise voters, it must not come at the cost of good governance. Nigerian leaders must be committed to transparency, ethical conduct, and holding themselves accountable to the people they serve. The fight against corruption must remain a priority, with mechanisms in place to ensure that those in power do not use their positions for personal gain.
Trump’s second term presents a cautionary tale for Nigeria’s democracy, reminding us that while populist rhetoric may win elections, it is the strength of democratic institutions, respect for democratic norms, and a commitment to unity and inclusion that will sustain the country’s democratic progress. 2027 will arrive in a blip. If we claim to run a democracy we must live by its tenets for the progress of us all.
