Seriake Dickson Warns Against Vote Buying, Says Politicians Are Exploiting Poverty To Rig Elections

Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, representing Bayelsa West, has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of vote buying and result manipulation in Nigeria, warning that it threatens the very foundation of the country’s democracy.

In a statement released on Sunday, Dickson lamented that many politicians deliberately weaponise poverty to manipulate voters and secure electoral victories, resulting in the emergence of leaders who lack the capacity to govern effectively.

“It’s a dangerous development that leads to the emergence of unqualified leaders who have nothing to offer the country,” the former Bayelsa State governor declared.

He further criticised the widespread abuse of state institutions during elections, including scenarios where fake results are prepared even before voting begins. According to him, this undermines the democratic process and robs citizens of their right to freely choose their leaders.

Dickson argued that relying solely on the courts to address electoral disputes is inadequate, noting that many genuine cases of electoral malpractice are dismissed on technicalities, emboldening those who rig elections.

“The electoral authorities must strengthen safeguards at the polling units. We cannot keep placing the entire burden of justice on the courts,” he stressed.

Highlighting how the system is compromised, Dickson said it was ironic that some individuals who could not win elections even in their immediate communities now emerge victorious by leveraging state power and political influence.

He revealed that, as a member of the Senate, he is actively supporting new legislative measures aimed at curbing these electoral abuses. However, he emphasised that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot do it alone, especially when it comes to controlling the conduct of security agents and other government officials involved in elections.

Dickson urged all stakeholders to confront these troubling practices head-on to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.