Election

As we see above, democracy operates on a logic that a people will vote among themselves a number of representatives who will actualize their collective interests and dreams. More than any other principle, election represents the major cornerstone of democracy and is the major vehicle of a democratic practice. While the electoral principle of democracy is in place in Nigeria, it is poorly operated and in danger of being completely annihilated.

The first problem relates to how representatives emerge, a crucial process without which elections become fruitless exercises at the end. In Nigeria today, people who seek elective positions often abruptly emerge on the scene few months to the election.

Starting with posting of election bills, such contestants would often induce votes from the electorate either through distribution of foods (now known as “stomach infrastructure”) or money on the eve of election or on the very day of the election. As citizens collect these pecuniary favors, they knowingly or unknowingly accept to forego a faithful representation of their common interests, lose the courage to hold corrupt leaders accountable, and in this way shred the checks and balance that enable a democracy to flourish. Needless to say that it is most often the case that giving or receiving bribes for votes produces representatives that commandeer public resources for their personal gain. The second problem of election in Nigeria involves electoral malpractices (including rigging/”stuffing” of ballot boxes). Again, vulnerable citizens, often hired for cheap fees or promises, are at the center of this anti-democratic process. The third problem is the non-utilization of the power of recall, which even when set in motion can be thwarted by bribery. Again, misguided citizens are used by corrupt politicians to defeat the will of the majority.

We task Nigerians of all social backgrounds to think about these problems, evaluate their roles in the conduct of elections, and choose to be enablers of true democracy and all the good that comes from it. The citizens’ most potent power is the exercise of their right to vote. With this power the direction of a society is determined. Only an informed electorate is poised to resist any efforts to undermine the peoples’ voting power. Therefore, we ask that the processes leading to election be taken more seriously, from pre-election engagement of candidates on the programs that they have for the people through the voting process and counting of all legitimately cast votes. The instinctive collection of foods and money in exchange for votes is shortsighted, and can only impoverish the collective future of the people.