In Nigeria, a vote should not be taken by force. It should be earned.
When politicians use thugs, violence, vote-buying, or intimidation, they are breaking the law. The Electoral Act 2022 says that is a crime.
For people to give you their votes freely, without fear, you as a politician have obligations to the people.
Here are the main obligations:
Tell People Your Plan Clearly
This is your electioneering. don’t just share money or rice.
Have a real manifesto:
What will you do for education health, roads, jobs, security, light and water in your constituency?
Debate and dialogue:
Go to town halls, markets, schools, radio stations. Allow people to ask you questions.
Speak the truth:
Don’t make promises you know you cannot keep.
Respect the People and the Law
No thuggery, no violence: Do not hire area boys, thugs, or cultists to threaten voters or destroy opponent’s posters. That is against the law.
Respect INEC and the process:
Accept voter registration, accept that PVC is the power of the people, don’t try to snatch ballot boxes.
Respect other candidates:
Campaign on your own ideas, not by attacking, insulting or killing opponents.
Serve Before, During and After Election, People vote freely for someone they trust.
Be accessible:
Live among the people, not only appear during election.
Accountability:
If you have been in office before, show what you did with the last budget and constituency allowance
No vote-buying: Buying votes with N5,000, wrappers, or food is also a form of force.
It is poverty force. Let people vote with their conscience.
What The People Should Get In Return For Free Votes
When you collect free votes, you owe the people these duties:
A. Good Governance
Security of lives and property
Rule of law and justice for all
B. Social Services
Functional schools, hospitals, primary health care
Good roads, clean water, electricity
Jobs and empowerment for youth and women, not just for your family members
Representation
Go back to the National Assembly, State Assembly, or Government House and speak for the people who voted for you
Bring federal projects and state projects to your area
Make laws that favour the common man
Transparency
Publish what you earn and what you spend
Do constituency briefing every 3 months tell people what you have done
A free vote is a contract. The voters says: I trust you with my power,
The politician says: I will use this power to work for you.
When politicians do electioneering well , convincing people with ideas, character, and past work , they don’t need violence.
People will queue in the sun to vote for them.
– Benjamin Ibrahim writes from Lokoja, Kogi state.
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