American midterm lesson for Nigeria: When the people are angry, governments fall, by Ejiro Ofoye

The outcome of the November 3, 2026, midterm elections in the United States has once again demonstrated an important truth about democracy: no political party, no president and no government is bigger than the people. The American electorate has delivered a significant political message, one that should attract serious attention from political leaders, particularly those in Nigeria who mistakenly believe that control of government machinery, political structures and financial resources automatically guarantees electoral victory.

In a remarkable political reversal, the Democratic Party has taken control of both chambers of the United States Congress, winning the House of Representatives and the Senate from President Donald Trump’s Republican Party. The scale of the Democratic victory is particularly significant because it includes states and constituencies that were previously considered safe territories for the Republicans.

This is not an ordinary electoral development. It is a political statement by an electorate that has become dissatisfied with the direction of its government and has decided to use the ballot box to express that dissatisfaction. The midterm elections were essentially a referendum on the performance of the party in power. Although Donald Trump was not personally seeking election, his administration’s policies, economic decisions, foreign engagements and political leadership became central issues during the campaigns.

The Democrats understood that the most effective way to challenge an incumbent political establishment was to connect with the everyday experiences of ordinary Americans. The rising cost of living, fuel prices, economic anxiety, the consequences of tariffs and the controversial war involving Iran became important campaign issues. For millions of Americans, the question was no longer simply which political party had the most powerful politicians or the largest campaign machinery.

It was whether the government was making their lives better. The Democratic victory suggests that a considerable number of voters were dissatisfied with the answer. Even President Trump, who initially attempted to distance himself from the outcome, eventually acknowledged that the war with Iran contributed to the Republican Party’s poor performance.

He admitted that the conflict had affected fuel prices and probably influenced voters. He nevertheless defended his decision to pursue the military campaign, insisting that he would make the same decision again. But perhaps more revealing was his criticism of some Republican candidates. Trump argued that certain candidates were not acceptable to voters and that he had been unable to transfer the enthusiasm of his supporters at political rallies to those contesting elections.

That admission carries a lesson beyond American politics. A popular political leader cannot automatically transfer personal popularity to every candidate presented under his party’s platform. Candidates must earn the confidence of the electorate themselves. It is equally important to recognise the role of economic hardship in the American outcome. A government may have impressive political communication, powerful allies and enormous resources, but these cannot permanently insulate it from the frustration of citizens who are struggling to meet their basic needs.

The emergence of four prominent Nigerian-Americans among the winners also deserves attention. Will Jawando, Junior Ezeonu, Oye Owolewa and Carol Kazeem secured important elective victories across different jurisdictions. Their successes, spanning local government and state legislative positions, demonstrate the growing participation of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent in American democratic institutions.

However, the greater lesson for Nigeria is not simply that people of Nigerian ancestry have succeeded in American politics. It is that the American electorate has demonstrated that political power ultimately belongs to the people. This is where Nigeria must begin to examine itself. For too long, our political environment has been dominated by the assumption that incumbency is an almost unbeatable electoral advantage.

Some politicians believe that once they control government institutions, command substantial financial resources and maintain relationships with influential political figures, electoral victory is practically guaranteed. That assumption is dangerous. Nigeria is experiencing serious economic difficulties. The cost of food, transportation, electricity, education, healthcare and accommodation has placed enormous pressure on households.

Small businesses are struggling, unemployment remains a major concern, and many families are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain a reasonable standard of living. For the ordinary Nigerian, political arguments about economic reforms, macroeconomic indicators and international recognition mean very little when the immediate reality is an empty food basket, unaffordable sc