Nigerian-Americans outline conditions for supporting Trump or Harris
As the U.S. prepares for its November 5, 2024, presidential election, Nigerian-Americans have expressed their intention to support a candidate who prioritizes Nigeria’s interests.
Prominent among those holding this stance is Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinmma, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, who emphasized that though he is traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, recent Republican administrations have shown more support for Nigeria.
Agbonayinmma, popularly known as EJ, noted that under former Democratic President Barack Obama, the U.S. declined to sell 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.
Commenting on his preferred candidate, EJ said, “Though I’ve long been a Democrat, I believe Donald J. Trump has the ability to do more for Nigeria than Kamala Harris. Democrats often view us as if we lack agency or vision. Kamala Harris, despite her experience, doesn’t seem prepared to lead America.”
Agbonayinmma voiced disappointment in the current Democratic administration’s lack of engagement with Nigeria. He remarked, “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.”
Reflecting on past Democratic policy, Agbonayinmma recalled, “During Obama’s tenure, Nigerian-Americans advocated tirelessly for him, yet he declined Nigeria’s requests for arms. When our communities in northern Nigeria were under attack by Boko Haram, it was Trump who ultimately approved the purchase of Tucano jets, allowing us to strengthen our defenses.”
Agbonayinmma also criticized Democratic policies that, in his view, erode traditional values. “Morality 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.”
Hon. Agbonayinmma’s statements reflect the concerns of some Nigerian-Americans who seek a candidate committed to fostering U.S.-Nigeria relations and addressing issues of moral and ethical governance.
