Gimbiya Khadijat Sa’idu, Kebbi Chairperson of Standup For Women Society, says Nigerians should elect leaders based on performance, not the money they will share to voters.
Sa’idu said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Birnin Kebbi that money politics was responsible for the poor performance of elected leaders in the country.
According to her, most elected leaders clamouring to return to power will likely lose if voters assessed them based on performance.
“If performance is a yardstick for electing and reelecting the politicians in Nigeria today, Nigerians would have recalled 80 per cent of leaders occupying different elective positions.
“The politicians knew that they have failed Nigerians and they are not creating a good future for our youth and unborn children and yet, they want to remain in power,” she claimed.
She explained that money politics was a threat to democracy, as such Nigerians should resist it and elect people based on their records of performance.
According to her, once politicians pay money to get the mandate to represent the people, they will want to recoup whatever they spent.
“First, money politics has replaced good party manifestos and the integrity of candidates, the credibility of candidates is no longer sufficient to guarantee electoral success.
“Secondly, those who sold their votes can neither demand accountability from the elected leaders nor can they demand service.
“Thirdly, money politics portends dangers to the democratic process of electing officials and prevents good governance,” Sa’idu said.
She also expressed concern over the gradual exclusion of ”women, youth, vulnerable and other patriotic Nigerians” from contesting elective posts.
The chairperson said voters and politicians should deeply reflect to avoid the looming tragedy related to money politics. (NAN)
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