Criminalise vote buying - John Nwosu

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Anambra State, John Nwosu, has called for the criminalization of vote buying and the prosecution of any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in the practice during the upcoming November 8 governorship election in the state.

Speaking with reporters in Onitsha, Nwosu described vote trading as a heinous crime and “one of the greatest assaults on Nigeria’s democracy”.

He added, “We call on government agencies responsible for ensuring credible elections to criminalize and prosecute any government officials, individuals, or groups found engaging in vote buying or selling at polling units.”

Nwosu further stated that any government involved in vote buying demonstrates incompetence and corruption, questioning the source of funds used for such illegal activities.

“Where are they getting the money for vote buying? It’s public money — your money. This is a rape on democracy and the height of corruption. Because of N10,000 or N20,000, people sell their birthright for four years and then start complaining,” he lamented.

Nwosu also criticized the media for not doing enough to discourage the practice, urging journalists to intensify voter education and awareness campaigns about the dangers of selling votes.

He proposed practical measures for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to curb vote trading, including restricting the use of mobile phones inside voting cubicles.

“In one of my media chats, I suggested that INEC should ensure that voters enter the polling area without phones, cast their ballots, and drop them before leaving. That way, vote buying will gradually become history,” he explained.