Vote
By David Adeoye
Ibadan, July 19, 2018 (NAN) The Vanguard for Better Living, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), says improved standard of living and poverty alleviation will check the incidences of vote buying in Nigeria.
Mr Julius Aderinwale, the coordinator of the NGO. said this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
According to Aderinwale, the poor living standard of majority of Nigerians and the abject poverty ravaging many households will make it difficult for them to reject inducement or any form of gratification from politicians.
He expressed concern over vote buying by politicians, saying it would not make credible candidates win elections, but the highest bidder.
“Government need to do more in formulating and implementing policies that will improve the living standard of Nigerians through creation of jobs, improved economy and programmes to alleviate poverty.
“Most electorate may not resist the temptation of selling their votes when they can hardly afford daily bread.
“Also, Voter Education Department of the electoral body and agencies of government in charge of sensitisation should rise up to their duty,’’ he said.
Aderinwale also urged the electorate not to jeorpadise their future because of peanuts, saying that development of the country should be paramount to them.
He urged Nigerians to ensure that they cast their votes for credible candidates that would ensure development of the country and make the electorate benefit from the dividends of democracy. (NAN)
DAK/KTO/EEE
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Ese E. Ekama