BY KAJOGBOLA TAOHEED KEHINDE
Nigerians have been lambasting the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for congratulating the country’s President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, over his victory in the February 25, 2023, presidential election.
Zelensky reportedly tweeted on Thursday, expressing his readiness to work with Nigeria to overcome global challenges, including threats to food security. This, However, did not go down well with some Twitter users, mostly Nigerians, who have been criticizing the Ukrainian President’s congratulatory message, because they believed that the election was marred by rigging and voters’ intimidation.
Ukraine president on his Twitter said, “Congratulations to @officialABAT on winning the Nigerian presidential election. I look forward to close cooperation. I’m convinced that bilateral interaction will be strengthened. is ready to work together to overcome global challenges, including threats to food security!”.
They claimed that Zelensky’s tweet showed he was unaware of the situation in Nigeria and did not understand that democracy had been invaded. However, some Twitter users suggested that Zelensky’s tweet could harm Ukraine’s relationship with Nigeria and lead to more tension between the two countries.
The opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) members also rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s declaration of Tinubu’s victory and demanded that the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, should step down. In response, the All Progressives Congress (APC) advised the aggrieved parties to seek redress in court if they had a case on the outcome of the elections.
Former Delta State governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress, Uba Michael, assured Zelensky that the people of Nigeria stood with him despite the controversy surrounding the election.
