Politics

Vote Merchandising: Destroying Democracy

Published

7 years ago

July 25, 2018

I was offered N5,000 to vote for the party but I rejected it. I am a 73 years old retired teacher. I cannot allow the future of my children to be bought by moneybags. I don’t know how we descended to this level when people brazenly offer money to people to secure their votes. It was not like this in the past. Will our votes count with this problem?”
Inducement of the electorate by the political class in Nigeria is by no means a novel phenomenon in the country. It is a wide spread practice, and has almost become the norm, for politicians to distribute food stuff, clothing materials, household utensils and other items of everyday use to would -be voters during political campaigns in anticipation of securing their endorsement on polls day through their thumb prints on the ballot paper.
In some other cases this subtle the inducement by political office seekers comes in the form of payment of examination fees, bursary allowances, instituting of scholarship schemes and distribution of customized educational materials to pupils and students among others including half-hearted acts of philanthropic gestures. And yes, monies also change hands under various guises, names and purposes but the motive is almost understood by all parties involved that all political favours are always expected to be paid back in kind on election day. These usually happen in months, weeks and days running up to polling days, and even when some of these things take place on election days, they were done in total confidentiality.
However, on July 14, 2018 during the gubernatorial election in Ekiti, the political class in that state descended to new depths in desperation and threw decency and caution to the wind as they were reported to have set up shops where votes were traded for cash to the embarrassment of the watching world.
One report said a newspaper correspondent “who visited polling units in the Fajuyi Area of Ado-Ekiti, observed a large turnout of voters with glaring cases of vote-buying which voters called “see and buy”. It was observed that the vote buyers demanded evidence of PVC and assurance that the seller would vote for their party before offering the money”.
The report went further to say that “a source confirmed that a woman sitting by the new Fajuyi Bridge with three bags paid voters on behalf of one of the major political parties”.
Of course, even before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the result and declared the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr Kayode Fayemi as the winner of the election, the media had been awash with unsavoury stories, images and episodes of the unfortunate development. Reactions, as expected, have also, since then, continued to pour in torrents.
One of such early reactions came from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) through its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan who accused the APC of stealing the mandate of the people of Ekiti State.
Writing on his tweeter handle on the morning following the election day, Mr. Ologbondiyan said “The APC won a presidential election in 2015 on the goodwill of Nigerians. Three years after, it depends on guns, billions of naira, snatching of ballot boxes, altering of figures and other acts of electoral corruption to win a state”.
In his own reaction, a candidate in the said election on the platform of the Accord Party, Mr. Abiodun Aluko alleged that Dr. Fayemi won the poll because his party the APC, was able to buy the highest number of votes.
“The APC as the highest bidder was able to take the highest number of votes that was exactly what happened”, Mr. Aluko, who was also a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, said.
Also, a coalition of observer groups and civil society organizations that observed and monitored the election, in a press statement, condemned the declaration of Dr. Fayemi as the winner, saying it was regrettable that INEC as well as the security agencies were used to subvert the will of the people of Ekiti.
The statement which was signed by contacts persons of the group, Comrade Haruna Farouk and Nze Adachi Okoro said, among others: “We have evidences of election malpractices, where a particular party in connivance with security personnel went about inducing electorates with cash and coercing them to snap the ballot papers in order to receive cash gifts from the agents of the party in question”.
Exchanging views on the matter with The Tide in Port Harcourt, a journalist and public affairs analyst, Mr. Obidinma Obidinma, described the incidence of vote for money as a dangerous development that will not help the quest for political advancement and democratic stability in Nigeria.
Mr. Obidinma said apart from setting our democratic development backwards, the practice was capable of igniting violence while also representing a form of corruption that must not be allowed to take root in our body polity because of its capability to destroy the very foundation of a civilized and free society.
If left unchecked, he said, it could embolden the political class to impoverish the people more and generate bad blood among the electorate, adding that but for the heavy presence of security agencies, a crisis that may have been difficult to contain would have erupted in Ekiti.
“And why are we seeing this kind of thing in an administration that says they abhor corruption and that they are fighting corruption?,” he queried and cautioned that “once the electoral process is corrupted, whatever is the life, the fabric of our political foundation will be destroyed”.
According to him, nip it in the bud, the Electoral Act needs to be amended by the National Assembly to “make this aspect of inducement as an electoral offence,” with video evidence made admissible before the “court or a tribunal as an infraction against the electoral process”.
“To be very honest, when I first heard cash for vote development in Ekiti, I felt very disappointed. I felt our democracy under threat and I felt that instead of moving forward, we are taking many steps backward”, said the President, Niger Delta Coalition Against Violence, Comrade Christian Lekia.
Comrade Lekia told The Tide in Port Harcourt that “nothing threatens the survival of democracy much more than this. When people can no longer vote based on their conscience and convictions; when poverty become a condition that will determine the direction of loyalty, that means it is deliberately inflicted.
“And talking about corruption, it only encourages people to go look for money at any cost. There’s no better way of encouraging corruption within political circles than allowing this to stand. It is really appalling, so disappointing and nothing anybody should encourage. It defeats the essence of that whole process”.
The rights activist and peace advocate called on the management of INEC to cancel the blighted July 14, Ekiti governorship election and reschedule the contest to prove its capacity to deliver on its mandate or give way for some others to do the job of midwifing acceptable polls in Nigeria.
“If it were possible, I would have called on INEC to reschedule and re-conduct that election. And where they’re unable, let me call on the managers of that institution (INEC) to resign and allow those who will be prepared to conduct a free, credible poll to take over the management of that election body. I don’t think it portends anything good for anybody. It potends evil and this, I’ll really frightened that we’re yet to get anywhere close to enjoying true evidence of the democracy.
“When people buy their way through, they will defintely want to do anything that will make them strong enough to buy their way through next time without really thinking about the people”, he said.
On what implications the Ekiti experience could hold for the forthcoming 2019 general elections, Comrade Lekia said even though he trusts Nigerians to be too enlightened to allow a replay moving forward, “the process must be seen as transparent. The umpire must earn the confidence of Nigerians in the process and it must be unbiased. They must do everything to make Nigerians believe in their ability to deliver on the conduct of the coming polls.”
He emphasized that “allowing naira power to determine the direction of victory defeats the essence of the contest”, in Ekiti and challenged the National Assembly to wade into the issue with a viewing to enacting legislation that will halt the development.
“They have a whole lot to do and the government must realize that the only way we can think of having in place a democratic culture that will be sustainable is by allowing the people to truly decide”, he reiterated.
Sharing his thoughts on the matter as well, the British envoy in Nigeria, Paul Arkwright tweeted “Ekiti Decides 2018 may appear to have ended with the announcement of the results, but the lessons of the election, with alleged monetary inducements, will not be forgotten easily”.

Opaka Dokubo

Politics

Kano Gov Approves N15.6bn To Settle Ex-APC Councillors’ Entitlements

Published

23 hours ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has approved the release of N15.6 billion for the payment of outstanding severance gratuities, accommodation, and leave allowances owed to over N3,000 former councillors across the State’s 44 local government areas.
The approved payment covers councillors who served during the periods of 2014–2017, 2018–2020, and 2021–2024 under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. The entitlements, which remained unpaid for years, will now be disbursed in three installments between April and June 2025.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser on Information to the Governor, Ibrahim Adam, the administration described the move as a corrective measure to address the neglect of past leadership and fulfil a promise to ensure fairness to public office holders.
“The approval of N15.6 billion is in fulfilment of Governor Abba K. Yusuf’s commitment to ensuring that all outstanding entitlements owed to our dedicated public servants are fully paid. It is a matter of principle and justice to uphold the dignity of those who have served in elected positions”, Mr Adam said.
He noted that the financial intervention reflects the governor’s broader vision of governance rooted in fairness, accountability, and public trust.
“His Excellency recognises the sacrifices and dedication of these former councillors. This action is part of a larger effort to right the wrongs of the past and restore faith in public administration,” he added.
Local government officials and affected former councillors have welcomed the decision, describing it as long overdue and a step toward healing the financial frustrations of many grassroots leaders.
Governor Yusuf’s administration, elected on a different political platform than his predecessor, continues to draw commendation for its proactive efforts to resolve inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of public servants.
As the payment schedule begins, it is expected that this intervention will offer financial relief to thousands and stimulate local economic activity across the state.

Politics

Gunmen Disrupt Political Rally In Bayelsa ….As Turnah, Others Emerge New Associates’Leaders

Published

23 hours ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

Scores of spectators and political faithful were hospitalised after a yet to be identified gunmen invaded a rally organised by a group loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike and President Bola Tinubu in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Part of the activities scheduled to hold at the occasion was the inauguration ceremony of the Bayelsa State chapter of the ‘New Associates’, a pro-Wike political forum.
The Tide which monitored the event reports that trouble started just at the preparatory stages of the event, when the unidentified gunmen launched sporadic gunshots from a farm close to the venue of the event, injuring unsuspecting spectators and party faithful across party lines.
However, calm was restored after a swift intervention by men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force and other security formations which enabled the event to go on as planned.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after restoration of calm, factional South-South zonal Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman, Caretaker Committee of the State’s chapter of the party, Barrister George Turnah, commended security operatives for their timely response.
He noted that the plan of detractors had been defeated as forces loyal to certain individuals in the State never wanted the rally to hold as scheduled.
Turnah, who doubles as Convener of the ‘New Associates’ in the State, commended President Tinubu and Chief Wike for the appointment and facilitating the same for Ijaws across the Niger Delta region.
He said, but for the love of the duo for the Ijaw people of various extractions, the Presidency would not have given preferential political portfolios in the Federal Government’s Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to Ijaws even though the ethnic nationality produces bulk of the natural resources for the economic mainstay of the nation.
The PDP chieftain reiterated that the reason for the event which was attended across party lines was to say ‘thank you’ to the two political leaders, stressing that to ‘whom much is given, much was expected’.
“For me, I’m of the larger opposition party, PDP. But I’ve decided to support and work for President Tinubu for what he is doing for the Ijaw nation, Niger Delta region in particular and Nigeria in general.
“President Tinubu has given Bayelsans and other Ijaws across the Niger Delta region several juicy political appointments. He appointed our brother and son, Heineken Lokpobiri as Minister of Petroleum even though former President Muhammadu Buhari had previously appointed a Bayelsan as Petroleum Minister in his government.
“Apart from the Petroleum Minister, Tinubu has also appointed Ijaw sons, Chief Boma Iyaye as Executive- Director, Finance, and Dr Samuel Ogbuku as Managing-Director and CEO of the Niger Delta Development Commission.
“Though former President Buhari had appointed Ogbuku initially in Acting capacity, when President Tinubu came, even after sacking all board members of the Commission, he still kept our brother, the MD and upon the completion of his tenure in Acting capacity, the President again reappointed him as substantive MD/CEO.
“But there’s one man who has made all these appointments for Ijaws possible. He is the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike. Ijaw people, Bayelsans are we not enjoying these appointments?
“Has the NDDC not lit up the entire Niger Delta region? Are you not feeling the impact of the Ogbuku-led NDDC? So for me and all the members of the New Associates we’ve decided to support President Tinubu for a second tenure so that our state and region can benefit more from his government”, he said.
“We want Governor Douye Diri to tell us his stand on the forthcoming 2027 general election. He should tell us whether he is supporting the President or not. If he’s supporting the President, we’ll work with him. After all, Diri was the first Governor from the South-South zone that benefitted from the President’s magnanimity during the 2023 elections and even in terms of infrastructure projects and appointments of Bayelsans at the Federal level”, Barr Turnah added.
In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion, and leader, Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress (RIPCO), Senator George Sekibo, lauded President Tinubu and the FCT Minister for their love and friendship with the Ijaw people.
Represented by former Chairman of Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Roland Sekibo, Senator Sekibo said the ‘New Associates’ political forum was to galvanize support for the President for his 2027 election.
He said while President Tinubu had performed well as Nigeria’s leader, the FCT Minister had continued to show leadership from the federal level after showing the same in Rivers State while serving as governor.
“I like to thank the convener of the ‘New Associates’ political forum in Bayelsa State, Barr. George Turnah (MON) and the Coordinators for standing firm in spite of threats from highly placed political leaders not to hold this event.
“Love is not theoretically, but must be expressed, which explains why they have gathered to celebrate their Excellencies, President Tinubu and Barr. Ezewon Nyesom Wike for the various roles they have played and have continued to play to ensure the appointment of Ijaw sons and daughters to positions of trust and authority at the federal level.
“The ‘New Associates’ is in synergy with President Tinubu and will continue to follow directives from the FCT Minister who has openly declared support for Mr. President”, he said.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Politics

Enugu LP Loses Pub Sec To PDP

Published

23 hours ago

May 1, 2025

The Tide

The Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, Mr Titus Odo, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Odo defected to the PDP on Wednesday alongside the former Commissioner for Chieftancy Affairs in the State, Emeka Mamah, who was the state Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign in the 2023 presidential election.
The duo dumped the PDP during the 2023 general elections for the Labour Party.
Receiving the defectors at the party’s state secretariat, the state PDP Chairman, Martin Chukwunwike, expressed happiness over their decision to return to their former party.
He explained that Governor Peter Mbah gave them the directive to do everything possible to bring back aggrieved party members who left the party.
“We are happy to have them in our midst, and God has set this party on a good footing, as 2027 is already assured,” he said.
The PDP chairman, however, called for unity within the party to package themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking during their presentation to the party state chairman, Mr Odo expressed joy for returning to his former party, revealing that Mr Mbah’s massive development in the State informed his decision.
“I am happy to tell you that I am back to my home. I came back because of the giant development strides of Governor Mbah and I say kudos to him.
“The second reason is the defection of my immediate boss, the LP governorship candidate for the 2023 election in Enugu State, Dr Chijioke Edeoga.
“Another reason is that the council chairman in Igboeze North, Mr Uchenna Ogara, is turning the council area into a township,” he said.
Mr Mamah also thanked the PDP leadership in Igboeze North, Enugu North Senatorial zone and the state chapter of the party for receiving him back to the party.
He extolled Mr Mbah for extending hands of fellowship to those who had left the party, saying, “Personally, I am pleased with the performances of our governor.”