Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West and former Governor of Bayelsa State, has raised the alarm over the worsening trend of vote buying and election manipulation in Nigeria, warning that the practice poses a major threat to democracy and good governance.
In a recent statement, Dickson condemned how wealthy and powerful politicians exploit poverty and illiteracy to induce voters with money and material gifts, thereby distorting the democratic process.
“It’s a dangerous development that leads to the emergence of unqualified leaders who have nothing to offer the country,” he said.
Vote Buying Undermines Democracy
Dickson stressed that vote buying disenfranchises the electorate and damages the credibility of election outcomes. He added that electoral manipulation, including the preparation of fake results before voting begins, is a serious abuse of state institutions.
“Some individuals who can’t win elections in their own families or communities now claim victory through fraudulent means,” he said, noting that these individuals often leverage state machinery and political influence to rig elections.
He also pointed out that many perpetrators are emboldened by a system that often allows them to manipulate the process and escape justice, with genuine cases of electoral fraud frequently dismissed in court due to technicalities.
Electoral Reform and Legislative Action
Dickson revealed that the Senate is currently working on stronger legislation to address electoral fraud and restore public trust in Nigeria’s voting process. He urged stakeholders—including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)—to take collective responsibility.
“INEC alone cannot control the conduct of security personnel and other government agents involved in elections,” he added.
He called for strengthened safeguards at polling units and reduced reliance on the courts to correct electoral wrongs after the fact.
Political Defections and Misuse of Power
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the increasing number of politicians defecting to ruling parties, not based on ideology or national service, but to gain undue advantages during elections through the misuse of state power.
“The desperation to win elections at all costs is driving this disturbing trend,” he warned.
