“28 people died in 2023 elections but 800 in 2011” – Tinubu

President-elect, Bola Tinubu has disclosed that about 28 people died during the 2023 General elections as compared to the 2011 elections.

This comment was made during the Parley held with the international media at the National Press Centre Washington D.C, United States, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, by representatives of the President-elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Mr. Festus Keyamo, who is the Chief spokesperson and minister of State, Labour, Mr. Sunday Dare, minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, assistant principal spokesperson.

While addressing the press, the spokespersons of President-elect, Tinubu highlighted the results of the elections while touching on some casualties that occurred during the elections. 

In his words, Mr. Festus Keyemo said; “Whilst we look forward to an era when there would be no single casualty during elections in Nigeria, however, the statistics show that 2023 recorded the lowest casualty rates ever. During the 1964/65 elections about 200 deaths were recorded as a result of election violence; the 1993 election recorded 100 deaths; the 1999 election recorded 80 deaths; the 2003 polls recorded 100 deaths and the 2007 polls recorded 300 deaths.

“The 2011 polls recorded 800 deaths, the 2015 polls recorded 100 deaths and the 2019 polls recorded 150 deaths. However, the 2023 polls recorded no more than 28 deaths as a result of election violence. So, the claim that this is the “worst” election so far is totally unfounded.”

However, some Nigerians have expressed anger towards the comparison made.

@Adewale johnson commented; “So he is justifying the killing??? Let be on record that Tinubu is saying this We will refer to this Twitter in years to come”.

@Nath also said; “The 800 people died because of one man. Now we compare deaths”.

@Anthony also wrote: “He said the death is not enough I’m done “.

@Stanley: “Is dying part of an electoral process since we now compare deaths?”.

@Folarin_Bobo: “So it should be a competition….. useless people.”