Observers have harshly criticized the recent Kano State bye-elections, claiming that systemic flaws and financial incentives are undermining the democratic process.
Mahdi Shehu, a political analyst, posted a video of a politician disbursing money on X on Monday and offered commentary on the matter.
According to him, the elections accurately depicted Nigeria’s democratic situation.
In Nigeria, where everyone lives in denial until that day arrives, democracy is just a joke, he said.
Shehu emphasized how security services allegedly watched helplessly as politicians freely donated money to voters.
“Politicians are unrepentant in their use of money to influence the electorate, and the police are frequently willing to assist and facilitate this,” he said. The politicians’ one-time “cash gifts” are eagerly anticipated by voters and thugs, but election officials will always turn a blind eye for a fee.Since INEC itself cannot be taught, it lacks the guts to enforce the law against material and financial inducement. Since some of their members are involved in the democratic failures, election tribunals and courts are unlikely to accept such evidence as credible. However, both domestic and international election observers will confirm the results anyhow,” he continued.
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