Group Urges Voters to Reject Vote Buying Ahead of 2027
As the 2027 general elections draw closer, citizens have been urged to take responsibility for their votes by getting to know the candidates contesting for various elective positions in their constituencies.
The call was made at a town hall meeting organised by the non-governmental organisation, Connecting Villages Initiative, to sensitise citizens on the dangers of vote buying in Lafia.
The town hall meeting provided a platform for community members and stakeholders to discuss the growing concern over vote buying and its implications for credible elections, effective representation and good governance.
Speaking at the meeting, the Co-Founder of Connecting Villages Initiative, Peter Ogah, represented by the Programme Lead, Christopher Agbo, said the organisation was committed to sensitising citizens on how vote buying could undermine their power to elect credible leaders.
Mr. Ogah said the organisation’s vision was to empower rural and underserved communities to take the lead in driving their sustainable development.
He encouraged voters to look beyond financial inducements and take time to study the manifestos, policies and proposed budgets of candidates before casting their votes.
Also speaking, one of the Communication Officers of Connecting Villages Initiative, Shafa Muhammad, said it was time to change the narrative surrounding elections.
He stressed that citizens must recognise that their votes are not commodities for sale but a civic responsibility capable of shaping the future of their communities.
Shafa Muhammad therefore called on eligible voters to participate actively in the electoral process, reject vote buying and demand accountability from elected representatives.
Some participants interviewed, including Daniel Adigizi, Kana Joy Okegye and Emmanuel Adakole, described the meeting as impactful.
They expressed their commitment to participating fully in the forthcoming general elections and making informed choices at the polls.
