The Coordinator of the Initiative for Better and Brighter Nigeria in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja , Dr Emmanuel Afolabi, has decried the rising incidence of vote-buying and selling during elections, calling on government to enforce penalties on victims.
Afolabi in an interview on Wednesday in Abuja added that the enforcement of stiffer penalties against offenders would safeguard the integrity of the country’s electoral process and deter the practice.
“There should be stiff penalties for anyone caught buying or selling votes. If offenders are properly punished, this attitude will stop,” he said.
He explained that IBBN organizes monthly football tournaments as part of its civic engagement strategy, noting that the Kuje Area Council football pitch in Abuja hosted the second edition this year.
Expressing satisfaction with the turn out and feedback gotten in respect of the football competition hosted by the group, Dr. Afolabi said the rising turnout shows that citizens are embracing IBBN’s message of promoting a “new breed without greed” in leadership.
“ The tournament is strategically designed to mobilize citizens and sensitize them on their civic responsibilities ahead of the election .
“This is the right time for us to start engaging the people so they will understand what is expected of them during the elections,” he said.
The coordinator also announced that the group would hold a major anti–vote-buying programme, inviting journalists, politicians, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders.
He emphasized that strict enforcement of electoral laws would restore credibility to elections in Nigeria and ensure that winners truly emerge through the people’s mandate.
On drug abuse among youths, Afolabi attributed the trend to attempts by some young people to gain artificial confidence, calling for proper orientation and accountability.
Also speaking, Member of the IBBN, Dr .Isaac Chinagorom harped on the importance of unity and youth inclusiveness in governance, urging young Nigerians to actively shape the nation’s future despite declining trust in the system.
The Coordinator, IBBN , Kuje Area Council, Amos James , said the ongoing awareness creation about credible elections, citizens education on the dangers of vote-buying commenced in 2024 .
