Actor and filmmaker Laide Olabanji has taken a swipe at Nigerian politicians over what he describes as repeated patterns of voter inducement during election periods.
The outspoken producer criticized the practice of distributing items such as rice and Ankara fabrics to citizens during campaigns, arguing that such gestures do little to address the country’s deeper challenges.
According to him, resources used for these forms of political outreach could be better deployed toward meaningful development projects that directly improve citizens’ lives.
Olabanji pointed to the state of public infrastructure, stressing that issues like poor roads and unstable electricity remain unresolved despite recurring election cycles.
He questioned the logic behind short-term giveaways, suggesting that consistent investment in basic amenities would have a more lasting impact than periodic distribution of consumables.
“Even if it’s just stable electricity or better roads, people will see that you are working,” he said in part. “But instead, you come back every four years with rice and other items. God will ask you.”
His comments add to ongoing public debates about vote buying and the quality of governance in Nigeria, especially as political activity begins to build ahead of future elections.
