Betty Akeredolu, widow of the late Rotimi Akeredolu, former governor of Ondo State, has faced widespread criticism for comments comparing Nigeria’s 2023 general elections to the U.S. presidential election and referring to Nigeria as a “zoo.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Akeredolu highlighted the difference in efficiency between the two elections, pointing out the time taken to count and announce results.
She wrote: “When dishonesty is prioritised, simple things become difficult.
“2023 Nigerian Presidential Election: Total Votes Cast: 25 million, Counting Duration: 5 days. 2024 U.S Presidential Election: Total Votes Cast: 155 million. Counting Duration: Approx. 10 hours.”
Her remarks sparked outrage, particularly when she doubled down by describing Nigeria as a zoo while responding to critics.
“When dishonesty is prioritized, simple things become difficult,” she remarked about Nigeria’s electoral process.
Addressing the backlash in another post, she stated: “I made an honest but harmless observation on Nigerian and US presidential elections. Twitter is now on fire. Truth hurts and hurts with tribal colouration.”
She further added: “If the 2023 election presidential benefitted you as an individual or group, was that the best Nigeria could offer? Alas, they turned it into a tribal war of words. Nigeria is irredeemable! So sad.”
These statements fueled further criticism.
A Twitter user, Adegoke Adebisi, challenged her claim about the U.S. election process, noting: “This is not factual. The election was determined in 10 hours but counting continued till Friday, but results were posted live.”
Another user commented: “Grandma doesn’t even know what electoral college is, she thinks they count each ballot in the US election to declare Trump. You don’t even have the moral justification to criticise a system ur husband benefited from.”
Akeredolu’s comments have reignited conversations about Nigeria’s electoral challenges and the growing frustrations with its governance system.
