Nigerian Cleric Writes Trump, Urges US to Back Credible Elections in Nigeria Ahead of 2027
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria edges toward the 2027 General Elections, a Nigerian cleric and public intellectual, Bolaji O. Akinyemi, has written to the United States President Donald J. Trump, urging the US to support democratic principles in Nigeria without interfering in the country’s political choices.
In an open letter posted on X on Monday, July 27, 2026, Akinyemi said he was speaking “on behalf of many citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who believe in the ideals of democracy, liberty and responsible governance.”
Akinyemi in his letter commended Trump’s leadership style and his “America First” philosophy describing the Trump era as “one of the most disruptive political eras of modern democracy” stating that scholars would study it for years to come, especially as the US marks 250 years of nationhood in 2026.
He also announced that he had mailed five complimentary copies of his new book, Global Leadership Code: Donald J. Trump As A Case Study, to the White House as “a token of my respect and intellectual engagement with your leadership journey.”
Addressing past tensions, the cleric directly referenced two controversial moments in US-Nigeria relations. He noted Trump’s 2018 description of some countries, including Nigeria, as “shithole” countries.
While acknowledging that it offended many Nigerians, Akinyemi said it “compelled many of us to ask difficult but necessary questions about the condition of our nation.”
He also cited the US designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom violations, saying it brought “renewed international attention to the plight of citizens affected by insecurity, terrorism and religious violence.”
At the same time, he applauded growing security cooperation between both countries in the fight against terrorism, saying it had “strengthened hope that terrorism can be defeated when democratic nations work together.”
As Convener of the Apostolic Round Table, Akinyemi said the Church’s role is not to campaign for any party, but to stand for “righteousness, justice, electoral integrity and the common good.”
The cleric expressed concern that recent diplomatic exchanges between Washington and Abuja could be misinterpreted as endorsements.
“It is in that spirit that I respectfully appeal to you, not to influence the outcome of Nigeria’s democratic process, but to continue championing the universal principles that have long defined democratic societies: the rule of law, free institutions, respect for fundamental human rights and the integrity of elections,” he wrote.
“Our earnest desire is simple: that the will of the Nigerian people should prevail. We seek neither religious advantage nor partisan preference. We ask only that democracy be allowed to function as it was intended.”
Akinyemi prayed for God to “guide Nigeria towards becoming a secure, prosperous and truly democratic nation.”
The US Embassy in Abuja and the White House had not responded to the letter as of press time.
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