There were media reports on vote-buying by political parties during last weekend’s governorship election in Ekiti State. OLUWATOSIN ABODERIN and ONI FAVOUR spoke to a cross-section of people on their feelings about the issue.
MISS JULIET OGBORU
It was a mockery of our democracy and shows the insincerity of a government that came to power with a promise of fighting corruption. The electorate cannot really be blamed with a majority living below poverty line, living less than a dollar per day. They saw the opportunity and sold their votes to have a share of the national cake that has eluded them in the past four years, and which may still elude them for the next four years. The only way to stop this unholy trend is to empower, and educate the poor masses.
MR FOLARIN LOREMIKAN
The problem with vote-buying and selling is that the illiterates are not ready to learn, or understand the concept of good governance. Until they stop collecting bribes, this issue will go on for years.
MR ADEWALE ADEBOWALE
It shows that Nigerians have not still got a grasp of what democracy is all about. They have been indoctrinated into believing that good governance is for sale; that whoever has the largest funds should be voted into power. Unfortunately, this only emboldens the rulers to steal the more, after all, the citizens got what they voted for not just in Ekiti but all over Nigeria. Until those involved realise that selling their vote means selling their future, then the future cannot be secure.
MRS VICTORIA OJELEYE
I hate commenting when it comes to politics in this country. Vote-buying comes as a result of corrupt politicians and Nigerians who are so desperate to be paid peanuts. It was obvious the two parties in Ekiti did desperate things to get the votes for their own selfish interest. Until everyone wakes up, the same act will continue and no one would be able to stop it.
MR ADEBOLA OLANIRAN
It is nothing but corruption on the part of both the parties and the citizens involved; it gives rooms for bad leaders to emerge and whatever the government turns out to be is the fault of those who sold their votes because of money that won’t liberate them from poverty. Except this act stops, Nigeria will keep going in circle, it’s a red flag for our democracy.
MR LAWAL HABEEB
It’s a very ridiculous act. We had over 35 parties that contested, but only APC and PDP pulled substantial votes because of the act. The state government is owing workers seven months’ salary, but allegedly, could afford to pay voters N4,000 each to vote for them. The APC also allegedly paid people N5,000 to vote for them. Vote-buying has been rampant since the inception of democracy in Nigeria, but the Ekiti election only exposed it the more. Even the international observers said the elections was below international standard because of this degrading act of buying votes.
ORIOWO TEMITAYO
Buying of votes is a very annoying and it should be seriously frowned at. It has no other word than election rigging. Buying of votes should be eradicated completely because it gives the power to someone who can’t even accept defeat. It’s going to put us in a very compromising situation later when the wrong person wins.
MISS ALIMAT MAJOLAGBE
We should forget about the election in Ekiti. Whether it was rigged, or votes was bought, one of the candidates has emerged a winner. Let our focus be on the next election and what can be done to prevent corruption. I mean the big election which is the presidential election of 2019.
OLUWATOBI LAWRENCE
I have zero interest in politics, but buying votes is just a clear indication that Nigerians are not ready for change and they have no idea what democracy means. It’s very sad how people sell their votes during election. Honestly, if a candidate has to buy electoral votes, then he or she is not right for the position. The system is inadequate and flawed.
ORETADE AYOMIDE
Buying of votes is total corruption. This is due to mass poverty in the nation which is used to take advantage of the citizens. Instead of the normal way through campaign and manifestos, they now share money and all sorts of things. Through poverty, corruption will always evolve, but it’s not the citizens fault. Of course everyone needs money, if I were offered N5,000 just to vote, I will collect it and vote because with that money, as a student, it will help me in a lot of ways, not to talk of single women/widows or mothers, who have to feed their children. Even single parents, if offered that kind of money, can use it to do some things for the family.
AIGBO TITOBI
It’s total rubbish, but we can’t blame those selling their votes because they are not educated. They don’t know the power of their vote, where their votes can get to and what it can do for them.
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