Over 77 million ballots have been cast for the November 5 general election in the United States of America.

Fox News reports that early in-person and mail-in ballots have begun pouring in across the country, with the tally in each state revealing mounting voter enthusiasm.

States in the US have long allowed some citizens to vote early, such as members of the military and people with illnesses unable to get to the polls.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic during the 2020 presidential election, many states also expanded voting to in-person and mail-in ballots.

According to the report, recent polling suggests a razor-thin margin in the race between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The Health Ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza reported on Sunday that the death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has reached 43,341.

This figure includes an additional 27 fatalities recorded in the past 24 hours as violence persists.

Since the conflict’s outbreak on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise assault on Israel, the Gaza Strip has experienced intense hostilities.

According to the Health Ministry, more than 102,105 persons have been wounded as airstrikes and ground operations continue.

As the U.S. prepares for its November 5, 2024, presidential election, Nigerian-Americans have expressed their intention to support a candidate who prioritizes Nigeria’s interests.

Prominent among those holding this stance is Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinmma, a former member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, who emphasized that though he is traditionally aligned with the Democratic Party, recent Republican administrations have shown more support for Nigeria.

Agbonayinmma, popularly known as EJ, noted that under former Democratic President Barack Obama, the U.S. declined to sell arms to Nigeria to aid its fight against insurgency. This stance only changed under Republican President Donald Trump, who approved arms sales crucial in Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram.

Commenting on his preferred candidate, EJ said, “Though I’ve long been a Democrat, I believe Donald J. Trump has the ability to do more for Nigeria than Kamala Harris. Democrats often view us as if we lack agency or vision. Kamala Harris, despite her experience, doesn’t seem prepared to lead America.”

Agbonayinmma voiced disappointment in the current Democratic administration’s lack of engagement with Nigeria. He remarked, “Despite Nigeria’s significance as Africa’s most populous country, President Joe Biden has not visited Nigeria. Democrats have been slow to support us in combatting insurgency and corruption.”

Reflecting on past Democratic policy, Agbonayinmma recalled, “During Obama’s tenure, Nigerian-Americans advocated tirelessly for him, yet he declined Nigeria’s requests for arms. When our communities in northern Nigeria were under attack by Boko Haram, it was Trump who ultimately approved the purchase of Tucano jets, allowing us to strengthen our defenses.”

Agbonayinmma also criticized Democratic policies that, in his view, erode traditional values. “Morality is being compromised. Children are now exposed to lessons in schools that undermine our values. This isn’t the America we envisioned; it’s not what our forefathers built.”

Hon. Agbonayinmma’s statements reflect the concerns of some Nigerian-Americans who seek a candidate committed to fostering U.S.-Nigeria relations and addressing issues of moral and ethical governance.