Two prominent Nigerian clerics, Pastor William Kumuyi and Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, participated in events surrounding the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting the strengthening ties between evangelical Christianity in Africa and the incoming U.S. administration.
Pastor Kumuyi, founder of Deeper Life Bible Church and head of the global evangelistic ministry, the Global Crusade With Kumuyi, was invited to Trump’s swearing-in ceremony. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend due to the event being moved indoors because of inclement weather. Instead, he attended a prayer service for the incoming president and engaged with various political groups. His invitation to the inauguration was seen as unusual, given that no African heads of state were present at the event, despite Trump inviting leaders from countries like China, Italy, and Argentina.

Meanwhile, Pastor Nathaniel Bassey, a renowned Nigerian gospel minister, performed at the U.S. Presidential Inaugural Prayer Breakfast held on the morning of the inauguration. While not part of the official ceremonies, this non-political, faith-based event garnered attention for its focus on prayer for the new administration. Trump did not attend the breakfast.
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Pastor Kumuyi, whose Deeper Life Bible Church attracts 120,000 weekly attendees, took to social media to express his gratitude for the invitation to Washington, D.C. During his visit, he met with members of Turning Point USA, a prominent conservative youth group, to discuss potential partnerships for global evangelism. Additionally, Kumuyi delivered a prayer at the Inauguration Praise & Prayer Convocation, hosted by U.S. pastors Jim Garlow and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council.
These high-profile appearances underscore the growing influence of Christian evangelicalism in U.S. politics, particularly among African leaders, as they seek to build bridges with the new administration.