Senator Jimoh Ibrahim has dismissed concerns that President Bola Tinubu’s participation in BRICS+ could lead to tensions with a potential Donald Trump administration in the United States. He emphasized that Tinubu’s leadership style aligns with liberal democratic values, which he believes mirrors the political philosophy of the United States.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, Ibrahim, who represents Ondo South District in the 10th National Assembly, stated that despite differences in governance styles, Tinubu’s ideological approach is not at odds with Trump’s.
“Tinubu won’t have a problem at all with Donald Trump because Tinubu is a liberalist; Tinubu is not a realist. So, Tinubu falls pari passu with the American liberal democratic society,” he explained.
Ibrahim pointed out that both Nigeria and the United States share liberal democratic principles, which would support a stable bilateral relationship. However, he acknowledged that while both leaders may differ in personal leadership philosophies, Tinubu focuses on cooperation and collaboration, whereas Trump tends to adopt a more transactional and unilateral foreign policy approach.
In January 2025, Nigeria accepted an invitation to join BRICS+ as a partner country, signaling a shift in its global economic alignments. Ibrahim noted that this move underscores the growing influence of Africa in global geopolitics, especially given China’s expanding role on the continent. He pointed out that BRICS+, now comprising 10 member states, has already engaged President Tinubu on economic matters, particularly regarding trade in China’s currency, the Yuan.
“Donald Trump has a very good opportunity to sit down with Tinubu as an African leader and understand the political engagement we have here because China is already infiltrating Africa,” Ibrahim remarked.
Ibrahim further elaborated on China’s strategic economic influence in Africa, particularly through infrastructure investments funded by loans for airports, seaports, and other vital projects. He suggested that China aims to gain legitimacy on the continent through these financial partnerships.
“China gave loans to many African countries to build airports, seaports, and others, but what is China looking for? The legitimacy of the continent.”
He also revealed that China had approached President Tinubu with a proposal to facilitate trade in Yuan, but Tinubu responded by demanding increased trade volume and greater benefits for Nigeria before any commitments were made.
“At the same time, China has come to Bola Tinubu to say: ‘Look, come and trade in our currency.’ And Tinubu has given them the answer: ‘Increase the volume of trade, and increase my benefit before I come to you.’ They go back home to think about it.”
Ibrahim emphasized Africa’s growing significance in the geopolitical rivalry between the United States and China, asserting that both superpowers now view the continent as central to shaping the future of global leadership.
“Over time, America and China are going to look at Africa as the major desire of the geocentric political system in terms of the hegemonic leadership of the world and its acceptance,” he concluded.
