MARCEL MBAMALUThe phenomenon of Nigerian support for Donald Trump, despite his stance on immigration, is indeed complex and seemingly paradoxical.
During and after the U.S. election, many Nigerians, especially through social media, expressed strong support for Trump and shared his posts, including those who have never travelled to the U.S. Some even created sticker designs inspired by Nigerian culture featuring Trump.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis phenomenon raises questions about whether these individuals have forgotten that Trump is a staunch supporter of strict immigration policies, with strong allegations of anti-Africa foreign policy stance.
Obviously, many Nigerians seem to prioritise other aspects of his persona and policies that resonate with them, reflecting the complex nature of political support where certain values can overshadow conflicting positions.
Nigerians, and by extension Africans, are believed to be at the receiving end of Trump’s anti-immigration policies. His previous administration imposed travel bans on Nigeria and other African countries, citing national security concerns, which could potentially be reinstated, limiting the ability of Nigerians to enter the U.S.
His prior administration’s policies led to considerable backlogs in visa processing, with current wait times for interviews reaching two to three years; these delays could worsen if similar policies are reintroduced.
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Stricter immigration policies, including mass deportation operations and a focus on border control, may create a more hostile environment for all immigrants, even if not directly targeting Nigerians. While some experts suggest that legitimate students and professionals may not be heavily impacted, there are concerns about increased scrutiny and potential restrictions on study and work visas.
Trump’s Consistent Hardline Stance on Immigration
Donald Trump’s immigration stance has remained consistent from his 2016 campaign through his 2024 election victory. In 2016, he vowed to deport illegal immigrants. His 2017 executive order suspended visas from seven Muslim-majority countries and halted the refugee programme. After winning in 2024, Trump pledged to conduct “the largest domestic deportation operation in American history,” stating, “We will pick them up and we will send them back to their countries.” He also promised to “seal up the border” and implement “strong ideological screening of all immigrants.”
These policies are seen as targeting non-white communities, particularly African Americans and Asian Americans. Critics argue that Trump’s immigration policies disproportionately affect people of colour, citing mass deportations and travel bans. His use of racially charged language, such as referring to certain nations as “shithole countries” and describing immigration as an “invasion,” has been criticised for supporting white supremacist ideologies and potentially contributing to increased hate crimes. Proposals to end birthright citizenship and implement “ideological screening” further fuel concerns about discrimination against non-white communities in the U.S.
Despite Trump’s controversial rhetoric and policies perceived as targeting non-white Americans, somehow these demographic groups, including African Americans and Asian Americans, have shown support for him across political divides.
Based on the exit poll data and analysis provided, Donald Trump made significant gains among minority voters in the 2024 election. Approximately 13% of Black voters supported Trump, an increase from previous elections. Latino voters showed a substantial shift, with about 45% to 46% backing Trump, up from 32% in 2020. This change was particularly pronounced among Latino men, with 45% voting for Trump.
Research showed that Trump also performed well among younger voters, securing 43% of those under 30. This shift indicates that what political strategist Mike Madrid who noted that not all non-white Americans see themselves as marginalised is true, thereby contributing to Trump’s appeal among diverse voter bases. Why?
Is there a connection between Trump’s support and sympathy for his persecution during the elections?
Though there is no clear evidence regarding this, still seems that the 2024 election campaign saw a strong link between support for Trump and sympathy for his perceived persecution. The July 2024 assassination attempt tended to boost his support, casting him as a martyr figure. The ceaseless barrage of attacks from mainstream media tended to achieve the opposite result of attracting voters to Trump.
Similarly, Trump’s campaign framed his legal battles as political persecution, resonating with his base while religious language portrayed him as a protector of faith, appealing to evangelical voters. Thus, the assassination attempt amplified Trump’s narrative of being victimised by “enemies” or Democrats. Many Christian voters viewed his persecutions as spiritual warfare.
Trump adviser Kash Patel once indicated that a second Trump administration would actively target journalists for prosecution, further emphasising the notion of political persecution against those who criticised or investigated him.
What About Nigerians Who Are Not in the US? Why Do They Support Trump?
It is also more surprising that some Nigerians outside the US still strongly support Trump. Despite Trump’s controversial rhetoric about Africa, some Nigerians supported him due to his stance on conservative social issues, particularly abortion and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBTQ+) rights.
This is evident in Daddy Hezekiah (Victor Onukogu), the founder of Living Christ Mission in Onitsha, Anambra State, who led his church members in a march supporting Trump’s re-election in 2020. They carried placards reading “Trump 2020” and “God for President Trump,” singing songs that translated to “We will gain victory … pray for Trump to win.”
No doubt, Daddy Hezekiah’s support was largely based on Trump’s conservative stance on abortion and LGBT issues. That is why Jude Feranmi Adejuwon, a Nigerian political activist and writer explained that; “If the church supports Trump, it would be because of the manifesto of the Republicans; namely a zero tolerance for abortion and LGBT issues. For example, Trump was the first sitting president to speak in person at the annual March for Life.”
Hence, some of those supporters viewed Trump as a defender of traditional Christian values, particularly his opposition to abortion and LGBT rights. Consequently, Nigerian Christians, especially evangelicals, aligned with Trump’s conservative stance on these social issues, seeing him as a bulwark against what they perceive as liberal threats to religious beliefs and traditional family values.
That is why Pastor. Samuel Adebayo from Lagos, Nigeria, in 2024 stated, “Trump stands for traditional Christian values in an increasingly secular world. That is why we have raised an altar praying for him to win so the Bible can become a reference point in not just America but the world.”
Aside from the issues of Christian and traditional family values, there are other Nigerians and politicians like Hon. Ehiozuwa Agbonayinmma, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, who also expressed support for Trump, stating that Republican administrations have shown more support for Nigeria. Others support Trump’s “America First” policy and wish Nigeria’s leaders would also prioritise their own citizens the way Americans do.
No doubt, Trump’s support for cryptocurrency is another significant factor contributing to his popularity among some Nigerians. His pro-crypto platform resonates with enthusiasts who view digital currencies as avenues for economic growth and financial inclusion.
During his campaign, Trump pledged to make the US “the crypto capital of the planet” and promised to appoint crypto-friendly regulators, appealing to those frustrated with current regulations. Following his election victory, Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies saw significant price increases, reinforcing the belief that his presidency would benefit the crypto market.
This particular stance contrasts with his opponents’ skepticism, making Trump more appealing to crypto supporters in Nigeria. These voices span from 2019 to 2024, showing consistent support for Trump among certain Nigerian religious and political figures despite his controversial statements about African nations.
What About Those Who Do Not Support Trump?
While some Nigerians support Donald Trump, many do not for various reasons. His history of making derogatory comments about African nations, including calling them “shithole countries,” has alienated many. Also, Trump’s restrictive immigration policies, such as the 2020 travel ban affecting Nigeria, have been viewed negatively by those seeking opportunities in the US. Critics also highlight his perceived disregard for human rights and democratic norms and concerns that his “America First” policies could harm Nigeria’s economy.
Again, Trump’s skepticism of climate change and behaviour especially his insensitivity that cryptocurrency could cause more global warming clashes with the cultural values of many Nigerians who are not in the crypto world.
Psychological and Emotional Factors of Trump’s Support
Trump’s support can be explained through various psychological and emotional factors. His rhetoric resonates with feelings of frustration and a desire for change while his blunt communication is seen as authentic. This creates a sense of belonging among supporters often overriding rational policy considerations.
Furthermore, fear and anxiety about economic insecurity and cultural change drive his messaging while cognitive dissonance leads some to double down on their beliefs despite contradictory evidence. Hence, many view Trump as a straightforward leader who rejects the establishment. These factors combine to create a strong emotional attachment to Trump illustrating the sentimental nature of political support and his win in the just concluded US election.
Dr Mbamalu is a Jefferson Fellow, Member Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), renowned publisher and communications consultant. Contact: +234 809 400 0017, Marcelmbamalu2@gmail.com
Dr. Marcel Mbamalu is a communication scholar, journalist and entrepreneur. He holds a Ph.D in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is the Chief Executive Officer Newstide Publications, the publishers of Prime Business Africa.
A seasoned journalist, he horned his journalism skills at The Guardian Newspaper, rising to the position of News Editor at the flagship of the Nigerian press. He has garnered multidisciplinary experience in marketing communication, public relations and media research, helping clients to deliver bespoke campaigns within Nigeria and across Africa.
He has built an expansive network in the media and has served as a media trainer for World Health Organisation (WHO) at various times in Northeast Nigeria. He has attended numerous media trainings, including the Bloomberg Financial Journalism Training and Reuters/AfDB training on Effective Coverage of Infrastructural Development of Africa.
A versatile media expert, he won the Jefferson Fellowship in 2023 as the sole Africa representative on the program. Dr Mbamalu was part of a global media team that covered the 2020 United State’s Presidential election. As Africa's sole representative in the 2023 Jefferson Fellowships, Dr Mbamalu was selected to tour the United States and Asia (Japan and Hong Kong) as part of a 12-man global team of journalists on a travel grant to report on inclusion, income gaps and migration issues between the US and Asia.
