Money Politics: Activist Harps On Voter Education

A gender activist, Mrs Ifeyinwa Okafor, yesterday called for sensitisation and education of the electorate on the dangers of money politics to the nation’s nascent democracy.
Okafor, who is the chairperson, Voice of Women and Youth International (VWYI), made the call in an interview with newsmen in Lagos.
According to her, money politics is an area which needs proper attention as the 2019 general election approaches.
Okafor, a former PDP governorship aspirant in Imo State in 2015, said that bad governance also contributed to the culture of electorate taking money from the politicians before voting for a certain candidate.
“If our people are well educated, informed and empowered, the N5, 000 or N10, 000 being given to them at the poll will be irrelevant and inconsequential.
“Confidence will also be restored and their mindset toward electoral process will change.
“Also, the mentality of `if it is only N10, 000 I can get from this person as my share of national cake, let me get it and run away will not be there.
“So, education and empowerment are key to enable people to achieve their dreams and realise their potential,’’ Okafor said.
She said there was need for people to know that when they collect money from a candidate, they have projected the person above the right candidate, irrespective of his flaws.
Okafor said that in some places, the electorate vote in a particular direction because of the money they had collected.
She, however, urged the electorate to vote for the best candidate, adding that politics should not be for the highest bidder.