Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has raised alarm over the rising tide of vote buying and electoral manipulation in Nigeria, warning that such practices pose a serious threat to the nation’s democracy.
Speaking in Sokoto on Saturday, the Bayelsa west senator called for a nationwide resistance against electoral fraud, urging citizens and stakeholders to defend the integrity of the ballot.
The former governor of Bayelsa State lamented the influence of money in politics, stating that desperate politicians exploit widespread poverty and low literacy levels to lure voters with cash and other inducements. According to him, this trend not only distorts the democratic process but also denies citizens the right to choose credible leaders. “Vote buying and selling disenfranchise the people and undermine the integrity of our democratic process,” he warned.
Dickson further criticized the manipulation of election outcomes, citing instances where results are prepared even before voters cast their ballots. He described this as an “abuse of state institutions,” noting that such practices foster the emergence of incompetent leaders who lack the capacity to serve the country. “It’s a dangerous development that leads to the emergence of unqualified leaders who have nothing to offer the country,” he said.
He expressed frustration over the judicial system’s handling of election petitions, pointing out that valid cases of fraud are often dismissed due to technicalities. This, he argued, emboldens those who engage in electoral malpractice. “In many cases, genuine cases of electoral fraud are thrown out on technical grounds. These embolden perpetrators who know they can manipulate the process and get away with it,” Dickson added.
The senator also condemned the misuse of political power and influence, stating that some candidates who lack grassroots support manage to emerge victorious by exploiting state apparatus. He decried the use of federal might to alter the will of the electorate, saying, “Some individuals who can’t even win elections in their own families or communities now claim victory through fraudulent means.”
As part of ongoing efforts to reform the electoral system, Dickson revealed that the Senate is working on legislation aimed at addressing these challenges. However, he stressed that reforms must go beyond INEC, as other actors—including security agencies and government officials—also play critical roles in determining election outcomes. “INEC alone cannot control the conduct of security personnel and other government agents involved in elections,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker concluded by noting a disturbing pattern where politicians defect to ruling parties purely for electoral gains, rather than ideological alignment. “More politicians and citizens are jumping ship, not for ideology or service, but to secure personal advantage in elections,” Dickson said, calling for a reawakening of civic responsibility and institutional integrity in the electoral process.
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