Nigerian Union In South Africa Accuses Politicians Of Exploiting Xenophobia, Anti-Migrant Sentiments For Electoral Advantage

The Nigeria Union South Africa (NUSA) has accused South African politicians of deliberately exploiting anti-Nigerian and anti-migrant sentiments to secure political gains. According to spokesperson Akindele Olunloyo, African migrants—including Nigerians—are frequently targeted during election seasons to rally public support by blaming them for unemployment, crime, and poverty. Olunloyo stated that migrants are ‘poor and voiceless,’ making them easy targets for politicians seeking ‘cheap political points’ while avoiding accountability for corruption, poor governance, and economic decline. Olunloyo highlighted that anti-foreigner campaigns serve as a distraction from South Africa’s longstanding structural issues, such as inequality and economic stagnation. Migrants, he argued, lack political influence and cannot impact election outcomes, making them convenient scapegoats. The strategy has proven effective, with politicians using inflammatory rhetoric to attract media attention and public backing. Operation Dudula, a registered political party and anti-foreigner movement, exemplifies this trend. Olunloyo described the group as a political force that campaigns against foreign nationals, with some of its members gaining national prominence through anti-immigrant rhetoric. He noted that previously unknown figures have risen to political relevance by targeting migrants, positioning themselves as defenders against foreign influence. The situation is expected to worsen ahead of South Africa’s local government elections on November 4, 2026. Olunloyo warned that election periods historically coincide with heightened anti-migrant sentiment and hostility toward foreign nationals. He emphasized that politicians and activists increasingly rely on inflammatory statements to mobilize support, using migrants as pawns in a broader political strategy. Olunloyo stressed that African migrants in South Africa remain vulnerable, lacking the political power to counter the narrative used against them. The NUSA spokesperson urged greater awareness of how anti-immigrant rhetoric is weaponized to manipulate public opinion and divert attention from systemic failures in governance.