By Edwards Okhai Balogun
The electoral developments in Edo State since yesterday, Saturday, have laid bare a deeply troubling reality: the audacity of vote buying, the falsification of figures, the manipulation of electoral processes, and the violent intimidation of voters. All notably orchestrated by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in its bid to ‘capture Edo State’ at all cost. This unscrupulous conducts not only undermine the pillars of democracy but also erode public trust in the electoral system, leaving a scar on the collective conscience of our nation.
Vote buying is a pernicious act, an affront to the very principles of fairness and justice that underpin our democratic institutions. It turns citizens into commodities, reducing the sacred act of voting to a mere transaction, while also perpetuating a cycle of corruption that disenfranchises the electorate. That people were allegedly offered as much as N20,000 has been the talk of town since yesterday with some personnel of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reportedly arresting some of them, the videos of such arrests have since gone viral. Such blatant disregard for the integrity of the electoral process reflects a party desperate to subvert the will and choice of the people at all costs, rather than engaging in honest dialogue with the populace.
Moreover, the manipulation of election figures as seen in so many instances, serves as a craven betrayal of the democratic process. Every fraudulent statistic is a blow to the ideology of free and fair elections, distorting the will of the people and engendering a climate of distrust. When the electoral umpire is coerced or colluded with, the sanctity of our democracy is compromised, rendering the notion of participating in elections meaningless for the average voter.
In addition to these egregious acts, the violence and intimidation directed at voters constitute an abhorrent assault on fundamental human rights. Such tactics sow fear and discourage civic participation, creating an environment where the voices of the people are silenced through terror. This chilling reality contradicts the very essence of a democracy, where every citizen should feel empowered to express their choice without the shadow of violence looming overhead.
Yesterday, it was Kogi; today, it is Edo; tomorrow it could be Ondo or any other state.
It is imperative that we collectively denounce these actions and demand accountability. The Nigerian electorate deserves better than a political landscape riddled with corruption, violence, and dishonesty. We must stand firm in our commitment to a democratic process characterized by transparency, fairness, and respect for all citizens. It is only through unwavering vigilance and collective action that we can reclaim our democracy from the clutches of those who seek to undermine it for their own gain. Let us not be complacent in the face of such audacity; the future of our democracy depends on our resolve to confront these challenges head-on. Let the will of Edo people prevail.
•Balogun, a freelance media practitioner, writes from Benin City
