Why Nigerians should learn from US election — Richard Ogunrotifa

By: Oladosu Michael Emerald

In a recent conversation with TVC News, a Policy Development Analyst & Good Governance Advocate, Richard Ogunrotifa, has urged Nigerians to draw valuable lessons from the United States’ approach to elections, particularly emphasizing the importance of accepting results and respecting the nation’s democratic process.

He stated this while appearing as a guest on a program called “This Morning” on TVC; Ogunrotifa described the U.S. as a nation where, despite strong emotions and high-stakes outcomes, respect for constitutional processes prevails. He explained that this is something Nigerians should seriously consider in their political environment.

Reflecting on the conclusion of the U.S. presidential election, the graduate of the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, highlighted how gracefully political opponents in America accept results. He said, “Whoever wins in the US will receive a call from the other side,” a practice he believes fosters national unity. “Election is not an emotion; it is statistics,” he stated, emphasizing the need to recognize the value of fair competition. He noted that a show of respect for the winning candidate prevents prolonged legal battles, an issue he sees as all too common in Nigeria. “Whenever anybody wins in Nigeria, you see court cases,” Ogunrotifa said, stressing that such a culture wastes resources and undermines public trust.

During a reflective moment, Ogunrotifa commented on the historical significance of the U.S. election, where former President Donald Trump reclaimed the office. “Donald Trump has made a record of being the first convicted felon ever to win an election in the US,” Ogunrotifa noted, acknowledging the surprising nature of Trump’s comeback. He speculated on the decline in Democratic voter support over recent years, suggesting that the base is weakening, which contributed to Trump’s victory. He said “It means something is wrong with the stronghold,” he commented, attributing Trump’s success to his unrelenting, straightforward approach that resonated with a broad swath of Americans.

The host, Yori Folarin pressed further, noting the absence of a comparable figure in Nigerian politics that holds the same level of sway within his party. Ogunrotifa responded by contrasting the political cultures of Nigeria and the U.S. He suggested that while Nigeria lacks a figure with Trump’s wealth and influence, there are still power struggles within the parties that mirror what took place among American Republicans. He drew parallels between Trump’s re-emergence and the internal dynamics of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria, where politicians vie for influence and compete fiercely for their party’s nomination. Ogunrotifa noted, “It was a tough battle, even a tough banter between the incumbent president and the previous one on who was to have the ticket of the party.”

Ogunrotifa talked about how intense American politics can be, especially during campaigns that are full of danger and tension. He referenced the alleged assassination attempt on Trump, a dramatic event that stirred fears and caused some to question Trump’s chances of mounting a successful campaign. Ogunrotifa opined that if this event hadn’t happened, current U.S. President Joe Biden might have decided to run for re-election, leading to strong competition with Trump.

The former Student Union President of Adeyemi Federal University of Education’s observations offer a key perspective on how American and Nigerian politics differ and occasional parallels. Thinking about Trump’s persistence and political strategies, he emphasized the strength needed to handle today’s political environment.

Richard Ogunrotifa is a winner of the Prof Olukoya Ogen Award for Excellent Leadership. He currently splits his time between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.