NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST Episode 16

NYFA LEADERS' ECONOMIC DIGEST

Episode 16

By NYFA Editors

The Buy-In Bravado: A Scathing Indictment of Nigeria's Bi-Electoral Debacle.

In the pantheon of electoral travesties, Nigeria's recent bi-elections will undoubtedly occupy a hallowed spot, a testament to the unbridled audacity of those who would seek to buy their way into office. As the buyers of votes sit in quiet contemplation, their minds doubtless preoccupied with the weighty burden of their pecuniary investments, one can not help but ponder the future of generations to come. Will they inherit a polity defined by the sanctity of the ballot or the sordid spectacle of vote-buying?

In this regard, the ADC coalition deserves commendation for their intrepid decision to participate in the elections, a bold move that bespeaks their unwavering commitment to the democratic process. Having endured a mere three months of gestation, they plunged headlong into the fray, undaunted by the prospect of electoral shenanigans. Let the experience of these bi-elections serve as a crucible, tempering the ADC's resolve, and informing its strategies for future electoral contests. The ADC Coalition should take stock of the events that transpired in the 16 constituencies across 12 states and use the lessons learned to strengthen its electoral prowess.

Meanwhile, the APC government would do well to heed the warnings of electoral observers and citizens alike who have decried the egregious practice of vote-buying. The deployment of thugs and the distribution of largesse in the form of cash and other inducements are an affront to the democratic process and a blight on the polity. Let it be known that such tactics will not go unchallenged and that the consequences of such actions will be far-reaching.

The travails of the BVAS in Edo State serve as a stark reminder of the challenges that lie ahead. The seizure of ₦25 million in cash in Iperu Remo is a telling indictment of the depths to which some politicians will sink to secure electoral victory. The arrest of 288 thugs across constituencies is a testament to the brazen nature of the electoral malfeasance that has come to characterise Nigeria’s politics. As cancellations are being clamoured for in Kano, one can not help but wonder what other electoral anomalies will come to light.

In this moment of introspection, it is imperative that the nation prioritises the integrity of the electoral process, where voters are not intimidated and where the sanctity of the ballot is preserved. Only through such a commitment can INEC ensure that the democratic process serves the interests of all citizens rather than the pecuniary interests of a select few.

As Nigerians looks to the future, it is clear that only a deep and abiding commitment to the values that underpin democracy can ensure the integrity of the electoral process. Only then can the INEC truly say that they have bought into the democratic process, not with cash or kind, but with a commitment to the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Nigerian Youths For Atiku