The political landscape in the United States experienced a sudden shift when President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race, just over a week ago. Despite previously asserting his strength and ability to defeat his Republican opponent, Donald Trump, Biden’s performance during the first presidential debate revealed his mental and physical limitations. His inability to articulate clearly, maintain coherence, and recall details became evident. Even Trump expressed surprise at Biden’s lack of coherence during the debate, leading to a widening gap in opinion poll ratings favoring Trump.
Calls for Biden to step down grew louder within the Democratic Party as concerns over losing the presidency and congressional seats to Republicans heightened. Despite the mounting pressure and dwindling support from party sponsors, Biden remained adamant that he was the party’s best chance to defeat Trump, causing division and confusion within the Democratic ranks.
In contrast, the Republican Party rallied behind Trump, whose resilience and the sympathy garnered from a recent assassination attempt bolstered his campaign. Trump’s solid standing in polls indicated a likely victory over Biden in the upcoming election.
Biden’s withdrawal and subsequent endorsement of Kamala Harris injected new energy into the Democratic campaign, resulting in record-breaking donations and a resurgence in party morale. The dynamics of the race shifted, with Harris emerging as a formidable contender against Trump.
The resignation of the Director of the American Secret Service following Biden’s announcement underscored the accountability and transparency in the U.S. political landscape, showcasing a level of governance that mandates individuals to take responsibility for their actions without room for evasion.
In contrast, Nigeria faces challenges in emulating such democratic norms, including the reluctance of leaders to resign amid health concerns or ineffectiveness. The lack of emphasis on presidential debates and transparency further highlights the gap between Nigerian governance practices and the American exemplar.
While Nigeria has adopted the presidential system from the U.S., it has failed to replicate the transparency, accountability, and prioritization of national interests seen in American politics. The reluctance to resign, the tendency to prioritize personal over national interests, and the prevalence of leaders considered above the law pose hurdles to the country’s democratic progress.
Nigeria’s governance challenges extend beyond its adopted system of government, reflecting a broader issue of leadership ethos and commitment to democratic values. As Nigerians aspire for governance reforms, there is a growing call for political leaders to emulate the positive examples set by the United States in fostering a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric democracy.