Former Convener of the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, Ene Obi, has accused politicians of exploiting poverty to influence voters and undermine the integrity of elections, describing the practice as one of the most troubling developments in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Monday while assessing the recent Ekiti State governorship election and other by elections, Obi said vote buying remained widespread despite efforts by security agencies and election observers to curb the practice explaining that politicians continue to devise new methods of inducing voters, taking advantage of the difficult economic realities facing many Nigerians.
“Vote buying early in the election was widespread, one could say, and it’s very disturbing that the issues of vote buying is still going on.”
Obi said the exploitation of poverty during elections has become increasingly sophisticated, with political actors finding new ways to identify and reward voters. “I think the politicians are getting smarter by the day on how they organise.”
She cited instances where voters were allegedly marked through party identifiers. “In some places you see people wearing a wristband for a particular political party.”
The former Situation Room convener argued that the practice goes beyond direct cash inducements, warning that politicians are increasingly using basic necessities to influence electoral outcomes.
“One of the things I want to pull out is that weaponisation of the poverty, of the poverty in Nigeria to try to be throwing bread to people or trying to be distributing rice is still ongoing and it’s very, very sad.”
She described the development as a reflection of how politicians view ordinary Nigerians while enriching themselves through public office. “Its very sad how the politicians have put Nigerians so cheap in their faces while they are looting their treasures. It’s very, very sad what they’re doing to Nigerians.”
Obi maintained that poverty remains a major factor enabling vote buying and voter manipulation across the country. “But of course, poverty is on ground. We know that there is poverty and that is because of the irresponsibility of the political class.”
While criticising politicians, she also urged citizens to reject inducements and recognise their responsibility in protecting democracy. “If you don’t rescue it by your own choices, because you can refuse.”
She stressed that both those offering inducements and those accepting them contribute to the problem. “So when we are talking of the vote buying, yes, it’s both the buyer and the person who is being bought that is responsible.”
Nevertheless, Obi insisted that the role of poverty in driving electoral misconduct cannot be ignored. “Weaponisation of poverty should not be overlooked. And so it’s a big problem.”
Calling for collective action to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, she urged citizens to take greater responsibility for the country’s future. “I think citizens need to consider their responsibility because the country is going down. We need to come together as Nigerians to be able to take Nigeria forward to the next election and also beyond.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
