CALL TO DONALD TRUMP TO “SAVE NIGERIA” IS IRRESPONSIBLE, UNPATRIOTIC, AND A DANGEROUS MISREPRESENTATION OF OUR DEMOCRACY BY GBENGA ONABAMIRO

The recent remarks attributed to the newly elected PDP National Chairman, Turaki, alongside Governors Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Bala Mohammed, and Seyi Makinde—appealing to former U.S. President Donald Trump to “come and save democracy in Nigeria”—have drawn widespread concern and disappointment across the nation.

Such statements, coming from individuals entrusted with major political responsibilities, represent a profound misjudgment, a psychological surrender of leadership authority, and a serious ethical violation of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

*A Statement Unbecoming of National Leaders*

Political leaders are custodians of national dignity. Their words carry weight and consequences.
This call to a foreign political figure reflects:
poor political judgement,
weak institutional confidence,
unnecessary theatrics,
and a reckless disregard for Nigeria’s sovereign independence.
Nigeria’s democracy is not a commodity to be outsourced to foreign politicians.

*A Sign of Learned Helplessness*
From a psychological standpoint, this appeal suggests learned helplessness—a condition where individuals faced with internal failures begin to believe that solutions must come from external forces.

For senior political actors to express helplessness to the point of seeking rescue from Donald Trump indicates:

lack of internal confidence,

emotional exhaustion,

reactive decision-making,

and confusion regarding democratic responsibilities.

This is not leadership.
This is a retreat from leadership.

*Ethical Concerns and a Challenge to National Sovereignty*
Ethically, the statement is indefensible. It undermines Nigeria’s status as a sovereign nation and conveys an image of political infancy.

Public officeholders owe the nation:

responsible conduct,

constitutional loyalty,

protection of democratic integrity,

and commitment to problem-solving within national frameworks.

No foreign leader—American or otherwise—has legal, moral, or constitutional authority over the affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*Historical Memory: The Sam Mbakwe Parallel*
The nation has witnessed this type of rhetoric before.
In the Second Republic, the late Governor Sam Mbakwe once suggested that Nigeria should be recolonized due to political dysfunction.
That statement was condemned then—and rightfully so.
The new call to Donald Trump is its modern equivalent, springing from the same well of frustration and misdirected emotion.
History has warned us.
We must not repeat its errors.

*PDP Must Solve Its Internal Problems—or Step Aside*

A political party seeking to lead the country must first demonstrate the capacity to lead itself.
If the PDP is struggling with internal coherence, discipline, or direction, the solution is internal restructuring, not external appeals.

If certain individuals within the party feel overwhelmed, confused, or incapable of performing their duties responsibly, the honourable course is simple:

Retire from politics, and allow more competent hands to steer the party.

Nigeria must not be embarrassed by the emotional outbursts of politicians who have lost strategic focus.

*Nigeria’s Democracy Will Not Be Saved From Abroad*

Nigeria possesses the institutions necessary to defend its democracy, including:
an independent judiciary,
an informed citizenry,
an active civil society,
a vibrant press,
and constitutionally empowered political structures.

Donald Trump has no jurisdiction,
no constitutional role,
and no moral mandate to intervene in Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Nigerian democracy belongs to Nigerians.
It must be protected by Nigerians.

*A Call for Responsible Political Conduct.*

This moment demands restraint, maturity, and responsibility from political actors.
Nigeria deserves leaders who:
uphold the dignity of the nation,
strengthen public confidence,
speak with caution,
act with patriotism,
and respect the sovereignty of the Federal Republic.

Anything short of this is unacceptable.

CONCLUSION.
Nigeria does not need Donald Trump.
Nigeria needs disciplined, reflective, and responsible leaders who understand the weight of their words and the dignity of the nation they serve.

If political actors cannot uphold this standard, stepping aside is a more honourable option than embarrassing the country on the global stage.

✍🏽PROF. Gbenga Onabamiro.
Counselling Psychologist & Public Affairs Analyst