Menace of election rigging in Nigeria

Elections are a central feature of democracy. For elections to be free and fair, they must express the will of the electorate. It is said, free elections don’t always result in fair election. In Nigeria today, election rigging has become an easy way to electoral victory. Our politicians, some INEC officials and security agents sell our votes to the highest bidder not minding if the person is capable of occupying the seat or not.

The 2019 election is around the corner, politicians are already strategizing to win. Some are involving in all manner of evil sacrifices for ritual purposes. It is during this period that people go missing and a lot of other atrocities are committed. What do we expect from leaders who commit all these atrocities to get to power? Of course no good can come out of such politicians.

Our politicians are thirsty for power and will do just anything to remain in power. Jumping from governorship seat to the Senate and the House of Representatives. They deny the youths the chance to explore their God given talents but keep telling them that they are the leaders of tomorrow. The question here is when will this tomorrow come?

Politicians see rigging as the only means to winning election and this is not healthy for a developing nation. I implore the electorate to rise up and defend their votes, just as I urge politicians to stop using youths as political thugs to achieve their ambitions.

Youths who are the engine room of the nation should get involved in election activities. We need good leaders who would judiciously and prudently use our resources for the common good of the Nigerian citizenry. We also implore the government to use the electronic voting system to avoid multiple votes by individuals.