Peter Dutton has never been so popular on social media - and we're not talking about Australia's likely new prime minister.

A 30-year-old African American who shares the same name as the former home affairs minister has been inundated with messages - both supportive and hateful - on Twitter since the leadership move against Malcolm Turnbull began.

Twitter - @PeterDutton5

"I wish the people of Australia would look at my profile and realize I'm a 30 yr old black man before sending me tweets and DMs," @PeterDutton5 posted on Thursday morning.

I wish the people of Australia would look at my profile and realize I’m a 30 yr old black man before sending me tweets and DMs. https://t.co/vzTF8JeMlZ — Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018

Mr Dutton from Austin, Texas, was subsequently inundated with support from Australians.

Mate. It’s anyone’s game at the moment over here. Come try out for Prime Minister? — John Smith (@johnjamescsmith) August 23, 2018

You’d get my vote! Just watch your citizenship when you get elected...that’s a whole different drama. #vote1dutton — Benjiman J Turnbull (@theoneandonly51) August 23, 2018

Do you have any idea how much we’d LOVE to be led by a 30 year old black man? For god’s sake, come over here and run for Parliament!



(No don’t, it’ll break your brain, definitely do not do this, I’m so sorry) — @NewtonMark@mastodon.social (@NewtonMark) August 23, 2018

The 30-year-old told AAP he was "enjoying" his new-found fame and that Australians had been "more than pleasant" after they realised he wasn't running for the Liberal leadership.

And if he leaves soon, he may just make tomorrow's possible leadership spill.

I’ve now found a place to stay. Australians are my newest cousins. https://t.co/Dr8539SV0W — Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018

Pretty sure my last tweet has made me the leading candidate for PM of Australia.



USA! It’s been real, mate. ✌🏾 — Peter Dutton (@PeterDutton5) August 23, 2018