Ahead of Saturday’s presidential election, Nigerians have aired their opinions on their thought on ‘vote-buying and how it might be a deciding factor in 2019 general election.
Vote-buying by politicians and their agents, which has taken the centre stage in today’s politics, is seen as the ‘the act of exchanging votes for money and other material things between politicians and the electorate.
While some Nigerians have succeeded in downplaying the effects of vote-buying in our society, others are of the belief that vote-buying will destroy the country’s democracy.
DAILY POST recalls that recent governorship election in Ekiti State was characterized with allegations of vote-buying between the two major political parties, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was gathered that aside cash inducement, some politicians were also alleged to have influenced voters with gift items foodstuff, recharge cards, e.t.c
Several viral videos had also shown sharing of cash among the electorate by PDP and APC agent. This was equally the case in Osun State.
Meanwhile, contrary to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s claim that it has sensitized the electorate on vote-buying, a check by DAILY POST revealed that the campaign against vote-buying is yet to reach the grassroots.
When our correspondent spoke with some Nigerians on the issue, it was clear that most voters are not aware of the dangers inherent in selling their votes to desperate politicians.
Some of the electorate said they were not going to partake in any form of vote-buying because it hinders free and fair election, while others said they would not turn down politicians’ gifts as it was a means to eat the national cake politicians are enjoying.
Alex Marcus, “If I am offered cash, I will collect the gift and vote for my choice, we don’t see these gift they are sharing everyday, so when I see such, I will receive my share.
Silas Chukwuka, “My vote is too important, even if I want to receive any money, the amount they are offering is too small, also Nigerians need to be careful, you don’t even know where this cash is coming from, what if it is blood money?
Lateefa Ogoromah, “I will definitely collect the cash if I am confronted with such temptation, but I will still go ahead and vote my conscience because this money they are sharing is Nigeria’s money so I have to partake in it.
Folu Segun, “It depends on how much I am been offered. If the offer is good, I will. People are hungry, there is no job, hence the need to receive all these gifts. I don’t blame anyone receiving as we must survive somehow.
Adanne Obiora, ”Vote-buying is something that has kept us backwards compared to other developed countries. We have all the resources to develop our country, yet we sell our future for financial gain. My conscience would judge me if I receive such evil money.
Akinfele, “I can’t sell my vote because my vote is my birthright, I can’t receive any cash because I have the younger generation in mind.
Edikan Victor, “My vote is worth billions. When I get inside that place, I will vote my conscience. I advise every Nigerian to collect anything you are offered and vote your conscience, after all, these politicians made us poor and they won’t still perform well.”
Meanwhile, INEC has boasted that all issues regarding vote-buying have been addressed and that it will be difficult for Nigerians and politicians to be involved in such activities. To that effect, the commission has stopped all forms of trade close to polling units and the use of mobile phones in the ballot.
Despite the effort, experts believe that politicians will always find their way, and may manipulate voters into selling their conscience.
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