In most countries, vote buying is frowned upon and treated as a serious offense, as people are expected to choose their government without external pressure.
Nigerians in 28 states of the federation are electing their state governors and members of the State House of Assembly on Saturday.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has a piece of advice for voters who are offered money in exchange for their votes.
According to NAN, Mr Buhari spoke on Saturday after casting his vote at his polling unit in Sarkin Yara A in Daura, Katsina State.
The president advised electorates to collect money from politicians if offered.
However, he says they must still vote for the candidates of their choice even after collecting the money.
Addressing journalists in Hausa and English, Mr Buhari said his administration has been discouraging every act of vote buying and monetisation of politics in Nigeria.
He asked politicians involved in vote-buying and monetisation of politics to stop such acts.
“If they (politicians) still give you money, collect, but vote for your preferred candidates,” Buhari said.
Buhari Obeys Electoral Act
President Buhari also commended the electorate for their confidence in the All Progressive Congress (APC).
It is a subtle way of thanking the electorate for voting for his party in the presidential election.
The presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, won the presidential election conducted on February 25.
You Might Like Election: MC Oluomo Comments On His Statement In Viral Video
After voting on February 25, president Buhari showed his ballot paper. It was an act that people say was a way of buying vote. But the president said it was to show he voted for Tinubu.
Following Mr Buhari’s display, many have argued that the action was against section 50 (1) of the 2022 Electoral Act.
The section states that: “ Voting at an election under this Act shall be by open secret ballot”.
The president’s action was also condemned by many. But the president insists he showed his ballot paper to prove his loyalty to Tinubu.
However, the president was said to have declined to openly display his ballot paper after voting his candidates in the governorship and House of Assembly elections on Saturday.
