Tinubu, Trump's Victories: Fresh Twist as Akeredolu's Wife Compares Nigeria, US Elections Results
- Former first lady of Ondo state, Betty Akeredolu, compared the 2023 Nigerian presidential election to the US' 2024 edition
- Betty quipped that the total votes cast in the US earlier in November were six times more than Nigeria's
- Despite the huge difference in cast ballot, Betty pointed out that a winner emerged faster in America than in Nigeria
Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering politics and elections in Africa.
Akure, Ondo state - Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, widow of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo, has taken a dig at the conduct of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
Legit.ng recalls that the 2023 election produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the incumbent leader, as president. Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state, defeated the likes of Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso to clinch the coveted Aso Villa seat.
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Although Messrs Atiku and Obi contested the outcome of the 2023 Nigerian presidential election and challenged it in courts, Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was confirmed as the poll winner.
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Tinubu, 72, is an influential politician in the country and is widely considered the country’s political kingmaker.
In the United States (US), Donald Trump was reelected as the president, defeating Kamala Harris.
In a post on her known X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, November 13, Betty compared the just-concluded US presidential election to Nigeria’s, considering the voting period and release of election results.
She wrote:
“Just thinking.
“2023 Nigerian presidential election.
"Total cotes cast: 25 million.
"Counting duration: 5 days.
“2024 U.S presidential election.
"Total votes cast: 155 million.
"Counting duration: Approx. 10 hours.
"Moral: When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.”
'US, Nigeria election incomparable' - Analyst
Meanwhile, a socio-political commentator, Femi Bolaji, said although the former Ondo first lady has a right to her opinion, comparing both elections is wrong.
Bolaji told Legit.ng:
"She has a right to her own opinion, and that should be respected. However, the two elections are incomparable. Nigeria, like other developing nations, is a work in progress. I believe that as we study advanced democracies, our electoral system will improve, but this is not solely the responsibility of the electoral body.
"The media, civil society groups, and we, the citizens, all have an important role to play. We must continue advocating for electoral reforms that will bring us closer to the seamless voting and collation process we observed in the U.S. I believe this is achievable."
Furthermore, Bolaji tasked federal legislators with improving Nigeria's electoral processes.
He added:
"The national assembly, which has a constitutional duty to make this a reality, must do so with sincerity of purpose.
"Over time, we have championed democracy as the best system of government, and the only way to restore hope, especially among the younger generation, is to ensure that the electoral process becomes seamless and fully transparent."
Late Akeredolu’s wife under fire
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu came under intense criticism for describing Nigeria as “a zoo country”.
Betty's disparaging comment about Nigeria triggered strong reactions on X, with several users condemning the 71-year-old.
Proofreading by James, Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
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