Some Twitter users, primarily Nigerians, mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after he congratulated Nigeria’s president‑elect, Bola Tinubu, on his victory in the February 25, 2023 presidential election. In a Thursday tweet, Zelenskyy praised Tinubu and said Ukraine was ready to cooperate with Nigeria to tackle global challenges, including threats to food security. He wrote: “Congratulations to @officialABAT on winning the Nigerian presidential election. I look forward to close cooperation. I’m convinced that bilateral interaction will be strengthened. Ukraine is ready to work together to overcome global challenges, including threats to food security!”
The reaction on Twitter was largely critical. Commentators claimed Zelenskyy was congratulating Tinubu despite what they described as an “invaded” democracy. One user, @valentinowpg, wrote: “Mr. President you may have to do this congratulation once again in the nearest future. We know when you won your presidential election it was the will of Ukrainians that voted for you and voted out a pro‑Russian govt. Ours wasn’t the will of the people. Good luck in the war.” Another, @gaiuschibueze, added, “No wonder Russia wants to run over your country.” @Chief_Ajiji remarked, “It is now obvious that Zelensky has not learnt enough lessons,” while @aai_austin replied, “Our democracy was invaded and you’re congratulating the man … on behalf of Ukrainians.”
In contrast, former Delta State governorship aspirant Uba Michael, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), responded, “The people of Nigeria stand with you (Zelensky).” Many tweeters argued that the February 25 election was marred by rigging and voter intimidation, suggesting Zelenskyy was unaware of these issues. Their stance echoed that of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), which have both claimed the election was neither free nor fair. The two opposition parties rejected the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) declaration that Tinubu of the APC won, even calling for INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu to step down.
INEC announced on March 1 that Tinubu secured 8.8 million votes, while main opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and Peter Obi (LP) received 6.9 million and 6.1 million votes, respectively. The APC and other groups have since advised the aggrieved parties to seek redress through the courts if they wish to challenge the election outcome.
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