Renowned human rights activist and former senator, Shehu Sani, has raised concerns over the upcoming elections in Edo State, highlighting the disturbing trend of vote buying. In a candid post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Sani called attention to the fact that political parties are allegedly gearing up for vote buying, while voters are preparing to accept these illicit incentives.
Sani’s statement, which reads, “In Edo, parties are reportedly preparing for vote buying and voters are preparing to receive; nothing has changed and no lessons learned,” paints a bleak picture of the electoral process. His observation underscores the persistent issue of electoral malpractice that has plagued Nigerian politics for years.
The former senator’s remarks suggest a cycle of corruption that continues to undermine the integrity of elections in Nigeria, particularly at the grassroots level. Despite numerous electoral reforms and calls for transparency, vote buying remains a significant challenge. Sani’s critique raises questions about the effectiveness of these reforms and whether voters and politicians alike have truly grasped the importance of free and fair elections.
As Edo State braces for its upcoming polls, Sani’s message serves as a sobering reminder that much work remains to be done in ensuring a democratic process free from manipulation and corruption. His words resonate with the broader call for political accountability and voter education, both crucial in breaking the cycle of electoral malpractice.”
PIONEER NEWS 