US Election: Why many Nigerians support President Donald Trump
President Donald Trump of the United States is seeking re-election in the presidential poll scheduled to hold on Tuesday, November 3.
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Despite his racist rhetorics and some negative comments about African countries, the US president has many supporters in Nigeria.
A survey by Pew Research Centre, for instance, suggests that 58% of people in Nigeria say they have confidence in Trump.
Also, very recently, the founder of the Living Christ Mission Worldwide and Proprietor, Hezekiah University, Umudi, Imo state, the Most Rev. Daddy Hezekiah, led scores of his members on a prayer walk for President Trump.
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How did President Trump gain such influence among Nigerians? The Guardian UK in a new report reveals some key reasons behind the development.
1. Christianity
President Trump's pro-Christain rhetorics resonates with many Nigerian Christians, especially those who believe in alleged Christian persecution and Islamisation agenda in Nigeria.
For instance, President Muhammadu Buhari recently revealed that Trump accused his government of treating the killing of Christians in Nigeria with soft gloves.
Felix Abiodun, a procurement manager at a bookstore in Lagos who spoke with The Guardian added that Trump's opposition to same-sex marriage also endears him to many Nigerians.
2. Unguarded talks
President Trump is known for unscripted talks. Abiodun believes the US president's "often abrasive, off-the-cuff style shows his authenticity".
He said:
“Some people are careful with what they say, appear holy and do things in secret that you don’t know. But he just says it as it is."
3. Popularity due to his books
Before becoming the US president, Trump, a billionaire has authored some books. Sa’eed Husaini, a political analyst in Lagos, told The Guardian that the US president's books make him popular among Nigerian readers.
Husaini noted:
“Trump’s popularity in Nigeria probably preceded his becoming president.
“Judging by its popularity with traffic hawkers, The Art of the Deal has been a bestseller here for many years now.”
4. Similarities between the US and Nigerian politics
With some striking similarities between Nigerian and US politics, it is not surprising that some Nigerians will like President Trump.
For instance, both Trump and Buhari are septuagenarian occupying the most important office in their respective countries. President Trump is 74 while his Nigerian counterpart is 77.
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In a previous analysis, Legit.ng examined some key factors while President Trump may lose the election to his Democrats contender, Joe Biden.
One of the factors includes his poor handling of the coronavirus pandemic which has claimed the lives of over 200,000 Americans.
Street Gist: Will Nigeria be a better place with Trump as president? | Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng