Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected as President of Nigeria and here is how Nigerians are reacting

On February 23, 2019, Nigerians queued up to elect the president who will pilot the affairs of the nation for the next four years. It was a keenly contested election but the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressive Congress (APC) came out victorious.  He polled 15,191,847 to defeat his closest rival, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who polled 11,262,978. Consequently, President Muhammadu Buhari will remain the President of Nigeria for another four years.

Prof Mahmoud Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, made the announcement early Wednesday morning. Shortly after, the president made his acceptance speech at the presidential campaign headquarters in Abuja. He said,

“The new Administration will intensify its efforts in Security, Restructuring the Economy and Fighting Corruption. We have laid down the foundation and we are committed to seeing matters to the end. [However] We will strive to strengthen our unity and inclusiveness so that no section or group will feel left behind or left out.”

Atiku Abubakar rejects the election

The difficult geography of the country often makes it difficult for voters in certain areas to participate in elections. This also affects the time it takes to collate results. Consequently, this often leads to mistrust and gives the impression of something fishy. To tackle this, some Nigerians are calling for the digitalization of the electoral process. A political critic and influential online personality, JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) said

Over 1 million cancelled votes. That’s a problem. We need to overhaul this electoral system. Down to the result announcement. This analogue thing must end with this election. We had elections on Saturday, results will come in tomorrow. If this is normal to you, you are abnormal!

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) February 26, 2019

However, Mr. Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected the result of the just concluded pools calling it a sham. The PDP and its candidate believe the election result was manipulated by President Buhari and the APC. In a statement, Mr. Abubakar promised his fans that he will get redress in court. He said,

“Consequently, I at this moment reject the result of the February 23, 2019, sham election and will be challenging it in court. I want to assure my supporters and the entire Nigerian people that together, we will not allow democracy to be emasculated.”

Consequently, I hereby reject the result of the February 23, 2019 sham election and will be challenging it in court.

— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) February 27, 2019

Nigerians react on the re-election of Muhammadu Buhari as new President of Nigeria

Mixed reactions have trailed announcement of Muhammadu Buhari as the new President of Nigeria. Many Nigerians at home and abroad took to Twitter and other social media networks to share their views. Many supporters took to Twitter to congratulate the President. However, not everyone feels the same about the announcement.

One of the presidential aspirants, Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) is suggesting the election was not free and fair. He said, “Good morning Nigeria! Elections are over, but it is de Javu! This election wasn’t free and fair. As you see, even the “winners” can’t celebrate! #TakeItBack

Good morning Nigeria! Elections are over, but it is de javu! This election wasn’t free and fair. As you can see, even the “winners” can’t celebrate!#TakeItBack

— Omoyele Sowore (@YeleSowore) February 26, 2019

An influential online personality and APC supporter, Tolu Ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) said, “President-Elect @MBuhari: Now that the elections are over, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria. This is why I said our supporters must not gloat. Our god-given victory is enough source of joy… The hard work to build a better Nigeria continues. #NigeriaDecides”

President-Elect @MBuhari: Now that the elections are over, we must all see it as a victory for Nigeria. This is why I said our supporters must not gloat. Our god-given victory is enough source of joy… The hard work to build a better Nigeria continues. #NigeriaDecides

— Tolu Ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) February 27, 2019

One of the Nigerians in diaspora, Tolu_Official (@saheed_tolu) in a reply to @APCNigeria @Mbuhari said,

“#buharishould know that we are tired of promises. He should know we want actions. [Nigerians] want a working government/ we don’t want a repeat of the last 4 years. We do not want to know what he did last year. We want him to work on what he didn’t do. ”

https://twitter.com/saheed_tolu/status/1100730415290175489

An ex-international footballer, Finidi George (@OfficialFinidi) is calling on Nigerians to remain peaceful,

“I know the results of the election might not be what you wanted but all I can say is I hope the next 4 years is better than the last — Please stay away from Violence, we are still one nation #Nigeriadecides”

https://twitter.com/OfficialFinidi/status/1100698387580624896