A legal practitioner, Mr Okoli Akirika, has called for comprehensive political socialisation to educate Nigerians on the dangers of vote-buying and selling ahead of future elections. Akirika, also a former Anambra Commissioner for Lands, made the call in an interview on Tuesday in Awka.
Reacting to allegations of widespread vote-buying during the recently concluded governorship election in the state, Akirika described the practice as “politically expedient, morally obnoxious and legally offensive,” stressing that it undermines the very foundation of democracy.
He added, “Promoting political socialisation would broaden citizens’ knowledge, values and attitudes necessary for informed and responsible participation in the democratic process.”
“The November 8 governorship election has come and gone. Substantially, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) complied with the procedures provided in the law. Materials were distributed early, ad-hoc staff performed their duties, and voters conducted themselves peacefully. However, what played out on Saturday does not guarantee electoral legitimacy, as it was purely a case of the highest bidder among political parties,” Akirika stated.
Noting that many Nigerian voters have become passive actors in governance and easily succumb to immediate financial inducements, Akirika urged massive civic education, community engagement and ethical training to discourage vote-buying, corruption and other electoral malpractices.
He said schools, religious institutions, Non-Governmental Organisations, the media and government agencies must collaborate to nurture a politically conscious and ethically grounded electorate.
“Such collaboration is essential to sustain a stable and enduring democracy in Nigeria,” he concluded.
(NAN)