The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is facing backlash on social media after congratulating Nigeria’s President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on winning the February 25, 2023 presidential election. Zelensky tweeted on Thursday, expressing his readiness to work with Nigeria to overcome global challenges, including threats to food security. However, some Twitter users, mostly Nigerians, criticized the Ukrainian President’s congratulatory message, alleging that the elections were marred by rigging and voter intimidation. They claimed that Zelensky’s tweet showed he was unaware of the situation in Nigeria and did not understand that democracy had been invaded.
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party members also rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s declaration of Tinubu’s victory and demanded that the INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, step down. In response, the All Progressives Congress 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. 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.
