Lessons for Nigeria from U.S. Democratic Maneuverings:
President Donald Trump is becoming hysterical over the possibility of a looming defeat of his Republican Party in the American midterm congressional elections scheduled for November 2026, which many pundits and pollsters predict will be won by the Democrats. On 13 February 2026, a proposal to introduce Voter Identification Cards as a requirement to vote failed to pass in the House of Representatives. Ruminating on the likelihood of its failure in the Senate, where his Republican Party holds only a slim majority, President Trump vowed to issue an executive order to enforce Voter ID and bar foreigners from voting.
He also hinted at the possibility of nationalizing congressional elections, which are traditionally conducted by states and counties (local governments) in the United States, claiming this move would prevent vote rigging.
What lessons can Nigeria, a nascent democracy, draw from these rumblings, maneuverings, and legislative efforts in the United States—a country that has practiced constitutional democracy for 250 years, with strong institutions, a robust economy, and a politically aware, wealthy, and conscious electorate—as we slowly navigate toward the 20 February 2026 presidential election and the National, State Assemblies, and governorship elections on 6 March 2026?
Conclusion:
The unfolding events in the U.S. remind us that even mature democracies face challenges in balancing political interests with institutional safeguards. For Nigeria, the lesson is clear: strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring transparency in electoral processes, and fostering civic awareness among citizens are essential steps in consolidating our democracy.
- @ Okoi Obono-Obla
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