Politics

Trump’s loyalist, Elias Gerasoulis blasts Bashir Ahmad, raises question about Nigeria’s democracy

A heated online exchange between Elias Gerasoulis, a vocal supporter of U.S. President Donald Trump, and Bashir Ahmad, former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has stirred controversy and ignited conversations about Nigeria’s sovereignty and democratic credibility.

The disagreement began after Bashir Ahmad criticized perceived foreign interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs, stressing that the United States had no right to dictate how the country should govern itself.

Trump's loyalist, Elias Gerasoulis blasts Bashir Ahmad, raises question about Nigeria's democracy
Elias Gerasoulis.

Ahmad wrote:

“In as much as I don’t want to continue talking about this, but I must say this — what a blatant intrusion into our internal affairs! The United States has absolutely no right to dictate to us how we should live, govern ourselves or practice our faith. Nigeria is a sovereign nation with its own Constitution, democratic institutions, cultural values, and legal frameworks.”

His comments prompted a sharp and provocative response from Gerasoulis, who questioned Nigeria’s legitimacy and suggested it does not deserve the treatment of a sovereign nation.

Trump's loyalist, Elias Gerasoulis blasts Bashir Ahmad, raises question about Nigeria's democracy
Bashir Ahmad.

Gerasoulis fired back:

“Nigeria doesn’t warrant the respect of a sovereign nation. The US should approach Nigeria in the same way it approaches Venezuela.”

Ahmad, visibly offended, condemned the remarks as an attack on millions of Nigerians.

He wrote:

“It is an insult to more than 232 million people, to our Constitution and to our democratic institutions. But anyway, who do you think you are to look down on our country?”

The exchange escalated further when Gerasoulis launched another controversial tirade, describing Nigeria as a colonial creation lacking true nationhood.

He stated:

“Nigeria is not a true country, but an artificial neo-colonial construct of the British, to empower Northern Nigerian Islamists (who the British viewed as easier to control) to dominate over everyone else. But I guess you like that, considering you worked for the former despot Buhari — or shall I call him Jubril of Sudan. Your so-called democracy is not real democracy, but a bad joke!”

The explosive back-and-forth has generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning Gerasoulis’ comments as disrespectful and inflammatory, while others debated the broader issues of governance, sovereignty, and foreign perception of Nigeria’s political system.

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