Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has noted that vote buying and election result manipulation have resulted in the rise of leaders who offer little value.
Dickson, the former governor of Bayelsa, also highlighted that vote buying and result manipulation pose significant threats to democracy in Nigeria.
In a statement, he called on stakeholders to share the responsibility of addressing electoral malpractice, describing it as a hazardous trend that compromises election results.
The previous governor claimed that certain affluent and influential politicians take advantage of poverty and illiteracy to sway voters through cash incentives and material rewards, ultimately pursuing their own agendas.
The senator stated that purchasing and selling votes deprive citizens of their rights and compromise the democratic process's integrity.
He believes it is a perilous trend that results in the rise of unqualified leaders who contribute nothing to the country.
Dickson criticized the "misuse of state institutions" during elections, highlighting issues such as the creation of fraudulent results before any votes have been cast.
He emphasized that electoral authorities need to bolster safeguards at polling stations instead of placing the responsibility for justice on the courts, highlighting that genuine cases of electoral fraud are often dismissed due to technicalities.
He mentioned that this practice empowers perpetrators, as they are aware they can exploit the process and evade consequences.
The lawmaker went on to express disappointment that certain individuals, unable to secure election victories within their own families or communities, now assert victory through deceitful methods by exploiting state resources and political power.
Dickson stated that as a senator, he is actively involved in efforts to propose stronger legislation aimed at addressing electoral anomalies. He emphasized the need to acknowledge that INEC cannot single-handedly manage the conduct of security personnel and other government agents participating in elections.
He noted that the intense desire to secure electoral victory at any cost has driven numerous politicians to switch allegiance to ruling parties, seeking undue advantages and exploiting state power.
He claims that an increasing number of politicians are defecting not due to ideology or a desire to serve, but rather to gain personal advantages in elections.
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