…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has expressed his deep concerns over the significant prevalence of vote buying and other electoral malpractices witnessed during the 2023 elections.
During a media chat on Sunday, the governor revealed that he was frightened by the extent of these illicit activities, which resulted in the defeat of deserving candidates and compromised the integrity of the electoral process.
Warning Against the Consequences of Fraudulent Elections and Personal Enrichment
Governor El-Rufai emphasized that the practice of accepting money in exchange for votes would ultimately lead to the looting of public funds by those who benefit from such fraudulent elections.
He cautioned that politics should not be viewed as an avenue for personal enrichment and urged individuals with such motivations to stay away from the political arena.
According to the governor, politics should be pursued by individuals who possess genuine commitment to public service and have a contented mindset.
Loss of Good Candidates Due to Voter Influence by Monetary Inducements
Governor El-Rufai revealed his disappointment at witnessing capable and well-intentioned candidates losing the election solely because voters were offered monetary incentives, such as N5,000, on election day.
He highlighted the repercussions of accepting such money, as it essentially grants the beneficiary access to public funds for the next four years, outweighing the temporary gain received during the election.
Politics as a Vehicle for Leadership and Service to the People
The governor urged Nigerians to comprehend the true essence of politics, which is centered around leadership and genuine service to the people.
He stressed that those who seek personal enrichment should refrain from entering politics and instead focus on alternative means to meet their financial needs.
Governor El-Rufai expressed hope that with time, more individuals would come to understand that politics should be driven by a desire to lead and make a positive impact on society, rather than for personal gain.