:Vote-Buying: SIDEC Urges Anambra Voters to Resist Desperate Politicians’ Temptation

By Praise Chinecherem

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has called on eligible citizens to shun vote buying and resist attempts by desperate politicians to manipulate electoral process for selfish gains.

Executive Director, SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike who gave the advice in a statement described vote buying as attack on democracy and collective dignity of the people.

She restated the group’s commitment to continuous engagement with communities, especially young and first-time voters, in fostering integrity and transparency in elections.

She called on civil society organizations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns across the state to curb the growing menace of vote buying and voter apathy.

The statement reads in part, “It is deeply concerning that cases of vote buying have continued to characterize elections across the country, including the recent by-election conducted in parts of Anambra State.

“There were disturbing evidences of widespread financial inducements at polling units.

“Voters were openly approached with envelopes of cash, food items, and promises of future favors.

“These practices not only undermine the credibility of the electoral process but also discourage honest and competent candidates from contesting, knowing they cannot compete with moneybags.

“This development is a “dangerous trend” that cheapens democracy, mortgaging the people’s future for temporary gain.

“Vote buying has become a tool for desperate politicians many of whom lack the competence, vision, and integrity required for public office to buy their way into power.

“When unqualified individuals purchase votes to win elections, governance becomes transactional rather than transformational.

“Such leaders see public office as an investment to be recouped rather than a platform to serve.

“This culture of monetizing elections contributes significantly to the unusually high cost of conducting elections in Nigeria, as politicians and political parties pour vast sums into securing votes instead of articulating policies that address citizens’ needs.

“When elections are dominated by money rather than merit, the outcome is poor governance, unfulfilled promises, and the continuous recycling of mediocrity.

“In line with the goal of Project IMPACT, it is good to state that every time citizens sell their votes, they surrender their voice and right to demand accountability, as well as the opportunity for good governance.

“Vote buying is not only an attack on democracy but also an attack on the collective dignity of our people.

“Politicians who buy votes do not trust the people’s judgment, and citizens who sell their votes are giving away the power that should be used to build a better society.

“We must change our mindset and understand that the ballot is our most powerful weapon for change. Elections are not opportunities to collect money; they are opportunities to determine the quality of our future.

“We call on civil society organizations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns across the state to curb the growing menace of vote buying and voter apathy.

“SIDEC stands committed through Project IMPACT to continuous engagement with communities, especially young and first-time voters, in fostering integrity and transparency in elections.

“The change we desire in governance begins with the choices we make at the ballot box.”