While going through a document some time ago, I came across the name MarÃa Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who ...
While going through a document some time ago, I came across the name MarÃa Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader who won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. She was recognised for her sustained struggle for democratic rights, free and fair elections, human rights and a peaceful transition from authoritarian rule to democracy in Venezuela. Her courage in uniting opposition groups and challenging political repression formed the basis of the recognition.
Interestingly, President Donald Trump had also been widely mentioned as a contender for the prestigious award, frequently parading himself and highlighting his efforts to broker peace and resolve international conflicts. Having lost his bid to Machado, the media reported that in January 2026, she presented him with her Nobel medal as a symbolic gesture, although the Nobel honour itself cannot be transferred to another person.
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize went to Navanethem Pillay, a South African jurist and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. She was honoured for her longstanding efforts to promote peace and international law, strengthen international justice and ensure accountability for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. Her distinguished career includes service on international courts and significant contributions to the advancement of human rights and the rule of law.
After this year’s announcement, I also came across a video clip that went vital on social media platforms in which President Trump expressed profound disappointment over his latest failure to secure the prize, describing it as a shameful act on Norway. His continued absence from the list of laureates especially in 2025 and 2026 raises two intriguing questions:
1. What factors might have hindered his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2025 and 2026?
2. Does he still stand a realistic chance of receiving it in 2027?
I shared comments on the above and posed these questions to my audience and several readers offered interesting perspectives. Below are some of the responses received. I invite you to read them and reflect on the different arguments presented. Enjoy reading!
"Realistically, it remains very difficult but not procedurally impossible."
"Actually, I'm aware of the bracadocio by Trump on the Nobel Peace Prize. In the first instance, recognition in that regard is earned, not demanded. So, Trump should allow the world to judge him. In the second place, one wishes there is a Nobel Prize for Global Destruction so that he eminently earns, nay wins, that. For God's sake, is there any modicum of peace in Trump? A man for whom the rest of the world should be indiscriminately subjugated? Nobel-Peace-Prize-for-Trump my foot!"
"Rather pensive and deep! The Nobel Prize Committee is composed of impeccable, highly integrous and dispassionate characters whose pedigrees cannot be tainted by the blood-thirsty, blood-ladden hands of Zionist Trump.
The events of 2025 and 2026 are indisputable testaments that mere sanctions, hegemony and threats of imperialist suffocation will all pale into utter insignificance when the round peg occupies the round hole.
Warmongers are the direct opposite to global peace advocates who seek felicity, as against violence as an enduring tool for global stability and harmony.
Both in his first and final terms, the brute Trump continues to typify bias and disapproval for the weak and unsecured people of the world. The barefaced declaration of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, the many loose, unguarded and volatile speeches by Trump that emboldens his Zionist brother Netanyahu and the unstoppable funding of the genocide of the harmless, and defenceless people of Gaza are sufficient signals that the loquacious Donald is undeserving of any peace award."
"Trump is a deluded president and he will be put to shame. He will never make it. he has publicly declared ICC and it affiliates as an organisation that is a security threat to the US. All his actions sum up to bring shame."
"Except if there are ways of hijacking future awards, that's the only way he can be considered."
"His selfish war on Iran, attack on Venezuela, attacks on Nigeria and support for the continued genocide in Gaza in 2025 and 2026 hindered his nomination."
"He's violent-prone, inconsistent and too erratic. Never! With such attitudes, who will award him?"
"Trump won't earn any award. Is he a peaceful leader? How does he promote peace among nations?"
"Impossible, because he's not a man of peace and peaceful coexistence. The Nobel prize is only awarded to people with integrity and good reputations."
"Yes if he:
1. Respects the ceasefire deal with Iran, unfreezes its assets and removes all sanctions.
2. Settles Ukraine and Russia.
3. Curtails Israel from attacking any Muslim country.
4. Deals with Saudi and Houthis."
"Yes, if it is decided that there is going to be an award on murder, rascality and making the world much unsafe."
"He chose war, so he will never win such a prestigious award."
"Sure! As he won in 2025 and 2026, he is going to win 2027."
"He is not a man of peace. I don't think so because he doesn't deserve it."
"Immigration policy and war in Iran may likely be part of the causes of his failure."
"The Nobel Peace Prize should recognise genuine efforts to promote peace, protect civilians and prevent conflict. When a leader’s decisions contribute to war, civilian casualties and economic hardship through disruptions to vital shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, their suitability for such recognition deserves scrutiny. However, Peace should be measured by actions that reduce violence and save lives, not merely by political influence or diplomatic promises."
The debate surrounding Donald Trump and the Nobel Peace Prize reveals that peace is not merely a matter of political declarations, diplomatic publicity or the number of agreements a leader claims to have brokered. It is about measurable outcomes, lasting stability, the preservation of human lives and the willingness to pursue peaceful solutions even when they demand compromise.
While Trump's supporters may argue that his diplomatic initiatives deserve recognition, his critics may question their sustainability, consistency and long-term impact. Both perspectives underscore the complexity of assessing contributions to global peace. Perhaps, the most important lesson is that the Nobel Peace Prize is not simply a reward for a leader's ambition or self-perception, but a recognition bestowed by an independent committee according to its assessment of the candidates' contributions.
Whether Trump eventually receives the honour remains to be seen. For now, the more important question is not whether he wins the prize, but whether his actions and those of other world leaders leave the world more peaceful, secure and just than they found it. After all, history may remember who won the Nobel Peace Prize, but humanity will remember who genuinely made peace possible.
Yusuf Alhaji Lawan writes from Hausawa Asibiti Ward, Potiskum Yobe State. He can be reached via nasidi30@gmail.com.
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