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Bolaji Akinyemi, a respected Professor of Political Science, publicly questioned the outcome of the U.S. election on Wednesday, arguing that the emergence of Republican candidate Donald Trump as President-elect raised critical issues for American and global politics.
Akinyemi, who previously served as Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, argued that the United States had disgraced itself by returning Trump to office as the 47th president.
“See how far the US has disgraced itself and disappointed the rest of the world in the electoral decision it took last night,” he said on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
While speaking on the show, the diplomat asserted that Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate and Vice President, has been making conscious efforts to offer her congratulations to Trump.The President-elect was criticized for not answering Harris’ call, with detractors questioning his ability to lead and reconcile a nation that remains sharply divided.
Akinyemi stated, “Do you know that Kamala Harris has been trying to get in touch with him to congratulate him and she hasn’t succeeded, he hasn’t picked up her call.
“It is a routine procedure that the loser in a presidential election would call the winner to congratulate him and offer a hand of friendship and cooperation and Trump has refused to pick that call.
“She still has not been able to reach him. Does that sound like somebody who intends to unite America?”
Read also: Global Leaders Congratulate Donald Trump On Presidential Win
The diplomat characterized the election as a battle between light and darkness, warning that Americans would eventually come to regret their choice to re-elect Trump.
78-year-old Trump won the US presidential election after defeating Kamala Harris in a stunning political comeback that will send shock waves across the world.
Trump is the first president in more than a century to win a non-consecutive second term.
He is also the only person to be elected as a convicted felon — he will face sentencing in a New York court for fraud on November 26.
Already 78, Trump is on course to break another record as the oldest-ever sitting president during his four-year term. He will surpass Biden who is set to step down in January at the age of 82.