U.S. Election: Nigerian Politicians ‘Divided’ On Biden’s Victory Over Trump

Some prominent Nigerian politicians have expressed conflicting views about reports of Joe Biden’s victory in the November 3rd United States presidential election.

Foreign media reports said Democratic Party’s Biden defeated incumbent President Donald Trump and Republican Party candidate after winning 290 electoral votes against Trump’s 214 electoral votes as of press time.

Trump, in a statement on Saturday, had rejected the outcome and declared his intention to contest it in court.

“The simple fact is this election is far from over. Joe Biden has not been certified as the winner of any states, let alone any of the highly contested states headed for mandatory recounts, or states where our campaign has valid and legitimate legal challenges that could determine the ultimate victor,” Trump had said, adding that, ““Beginning Monday, our campaign will start prosecuting our case in court to ensure election laws are fully upheld and the rightful winner is seated.”

Reacting, however, Nigeria’s former Senate president and two-time governor of Kwara State, Bukola Saraki, said in a tweet: “I congratulate the former Vice-President of the United States, @JoeBiden, on his historic election as the next President of the United States. I also congratulate Senator @KamalaHarris, who will be the first female Vice-President of the world’s most vibrant democracy.”

But former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who is an avid supporter of Trump, said Biden’s victory was only “declared” by some foreign media outlets.  He also called for observers of the election across the world to wait for the U.S. Supreme Court’s verdict on the poll before congratulating the winner.

On his part, former Abia State governor and Chief Whip of the Senate, Orji Kalu, congratulated Biden and expressed hope that the COVID-19 pandemic would come to an end with his emergence.

“Congratulations to Joe Biden @JoeBide on his victory as 46th President. The world will heal again. The COVID-19 pandemic will soon see its end. It is time for the US to restore its world leadership,” said Kalu.

A former presidential candidate, Adamu Garba, shared similar view with Fani-Kayode, describing Biden’s victory as “a media-declared President for the Special interest group.”

Garba added that, “Theft of mandate won’t make a President of the Free World. Do not be deceived with the Fanfare, Trump is still the President and will be the President for the next 4 years. Wait for the outcome from the Courts.”