— Says Unqualified Leaders Are Emerging Through Fraud and Manipulation
ABUJA, NIGERIA – Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, former Bayelsa State Governor and current lawmaker representing Bayelsa West, has sounded a stern warning over the dangerous rise of vote buying, electoral manipulation, and abuse of state institutions during elections in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded statement, Dickson said the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy is under attack, with fraudulent practices producing leaders unfit for governance.
“Vote buying and selling disenfranchise citizens and erode the integrity of our democracy. It’s a dangerous development that results in the emergence of unqualified leaders who have nothing to offer the country,” he said.
Blames the Rich and Powerful for Exploiting Poverty
Senator Dickson accused wealthy and politically influential figures of weaponizing poverty and illiteracy, using money and material items to induce voters and distort the electoral process.
He warned that such tactics have become systematic, leaving Nigeria at the mercy of individuals who manipulate the electoral system without consequence.
“Some of those who lack grassroots support now claim electoral victories through fabricated results, aided by state power and influence,” he added.
“INEC Cannot Do It Alone” – Senator Calls for Stronger Safeguards
Dickson called for collective responsibility among all stakeholders—INEC, security agencies, judiciary, political parties, and voters—to strengthen the nation’s electoral system.
“The electoral body alone cannot police security agencies or political actors who misuse state power. The courts must also stop dismissing genuine cases on technicalities,” he said.
He criticized the over-reliance on post-election litigation, urging instead for robust reforms and safeguards at polling units to prevent tampering in the first place.
Condemns Political Defections for Electoral Advantage
The Bayelsa senator also condemned the trend of defections to ruling parties, stating that such moves are not based on ideology or public service but driven by the desire for unfair electoral advantage through state capture.
“We must stop encouraging opportunism disguised as political alignment,” he noted. “Party-switching to gain access to government resources undermines democracy.”
Supports Electoral Reforms in the Senate
Dickson pledged to support and sponsor legislation aimed at curbing vote buying, increasing electoral transparency, and penalizing manipulation of election results.
He urged citizens to resist inducements and hold leaders accountable, warning that Nigeria’s future depends on the credibility of its electoral process.
