Edo 2024: Nigerians slam Presidency’s X account for partisan politics

A wave of backlash has erupted online after Vice President Kashim Shettima used the official “Presidency Nigeria” X handle (@NGRPresident) to endorse Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the upcoming 2024 Edo governorship election.

The post, which urged voters to support Okpebholo, has triggered widespread discontent among Nigerians, who view the act as a misuse of government resources for political campaigning.

Shettima’s post praised Okpebholo, promising that his election would lead to “positive redefining and reshaping of governance” in Edo State.

However, this has not been well-received by many Nigerians, who argue that using the Presidency’s official handle for partisan promotion is inappropriate and undermines democratic norms.

Legal practitioner and prominent social commentator Inibehe Effiong strongly condemned the move, stating, “This is despicable but not surprising. The APC has ruined every institution in this country. Using an official government handle for partisan campaigns is egregious. State capture in full force.”

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Social media expert Gbenga Sesan echoed this frustration, tweeting, “Delete this! You should stop embarrassing the rest of Nigeria with your incompetence, lack of judgment, and utter disrespect for democracy.” Others have similarly expressed disappointment, with comments ranging from criticism of the APC’s governance style to the broader implications for Nigeria’s political institutions.

Critics argue that the Presidency’s involvement in electioneering not only erodes public trust in government institutions but also reflects poorly on the administration’s ethics.

Political analyst Dr. Emeka Ajulu noted, “This is not just about an isolated tweet. It shows how the boundaries between state resources and party politics have become dangerously blurred. The APC administration needs to be careful not to further damage the credibility of public institutions.”

Several voices, including those from civil society, also fear this act could set a damaging precedent. Ojukwu Justin Daniel remarked, “By the time this administration is over, the Presidency wouldn’t have much value any longer,” reflecting concerns that official platforms could lose legitimacy if continually used for partisan purposes.

Political observer Ifeoma Eze pointed out, “Government handles like the Presidency’s X account should represent all Nigerians, regardless of party affiliation. Engaging in partisan politics with official state resources diminishes the perception of neutrality that such institutions must uphold.”

The situation has fueled a broader discussion about the relationship between governance and partisanship in Nigeria. Many feel that institutions meant to serve the public have become tools for political maneuvering, with some, like the X user known as “Niger Delta,” expressing frustration at the perceived erosion of standards: “General Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ruined this country.”

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Calls for action have grown louder, with some Nigerians demanding that the Presidency take accountability for the tweet and ensure such instances are avoided in the future. As Tony Atambi put it, “A major fallout of the ineptitude of the APC is this absence of class and dignified approach that should be associated with governance.”