Abdulsalami Abubakar Calls for an End to Vote-Buying, Urges Politicians to Prioritise Good Governance

Former Military Head of State and Chairman of the National Peace Committee, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has issued a strong condemnation of vote-buying practices in Nigerian politics, urging politicians to focus on good governance rather than electoral manipulation. Speaking from his residence in Minna, Niger State, Abubakar emphasised the detrimental effects of vote-buying on Nigeria’s democratic process and the overall well-being of citizens.

A Persistent Challenge to Democracy

Abubakar highlighted that vote-buying remains a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s democratic progress. He noted that despite advancements in the political system since 1999, the practice of politicians purchasing votes and some electorate selling their franchise continues to undermine the integrity of elections. The former leader expressed concern that this trend has persisted and even increased, with the National Bureau of Statistics reporting a 5% rise in vote-buying incidents during the 2023 general elections compared to 2019.

Economic Hardship and Electoral Integrity

The call to end vote-buying comes against the backdrop of severe economic challenges facing Nigeria. Abubakar pointed out that the hardship in the country is “getting out of control,” with citizens struggling to afford basic necessities such as food, transportation, and education. He emphasised that these economic difficulties make voters more vulnerable to electoral inducements, creating a cycle that perpetuates poor governance and economic instability.

Recommendations for Change

To address these issues, Abubakar proposed several recommendations:

Strengthening electoral laws and their enforcement to deter vote-buying practices.
Enhancing voter education to raise awareness about the long-term consequences of selling votes.
Implementing measures to alleviate poverty and improve economic conditions, reducing citizens’ vulnerability to electoral inducements.
Encouraging political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than monetary incentives.

A Call for Peaceful Engagement

While acknowledging the right to protest, Abubakar urged citizens to express their grievances peacefully. He cautioned against violent demonstrations, recalling past incidents where protests led to “unnecessary, uncalled for carnage, theft, and criminalities.” The former leader stressed the importance of maintaining peace while exercising democratic rights.