VOTES BUYING: CONCERNED CITIZENS WANT INEC, SECURITY AGENCIES TO CHECK THE TREND

Politicians have expressed fear that the new trend of vote buying during elections may destroy electoral process in the country if it remains unchecked.

They made their feelings known while speaking on ‘Political Watch,’ a Radio Nigeria Enugu Zonal Network political programme,

One of them and the All Progressives Congress candidate for Udi/Ezeagu Federal Constituency, Chief Joe Mamel, stated that vote buying was perpetuated mainly by unpopular candidates who lacked the capacity to win elections.

He identified poverty as a major factor that encouraged vote buying.

A Senior Special Assistant to Enugu State Governor, Mr. Desna Aja, condemned the trend and called on security agencies to do more in checking the act.

Mr. Ajah advocated intensive voter education by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the problem.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Enugu State, Mr. Emeka Ononamadu, who called into the programme, said the commission was determined to conduct an acceptable election in the country.

Callers in the programme advised the electorate against sell their votes as it would amount to selling their rights.

They appealed to security agents and INEC to device a means of stopping the trend.

OLIVER OSSAI