The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) on Thursday decried the recent incidence of vote-buying in the country, saying the practice is a threat to the growth of democracy.
Mr Gboyega Adeniji, the Secretary-General of CNPP in South-West, spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
Adeniji was reacting to the allegations of vote-buying that characterised the last Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti.
He said that vote-buying undermined the credibility of elections and encouraged politics of the highest bidder.
“At CNPP, we believe that the incidence of vote-buying is not good for the country, as it is an albatross to the growth of democracy.
“Politics should not be about who has money to give, but who will serve people, protect their interests and better their lots.
“For as long we have this issue in elections, we cannot claim to be working toward a robust democracy in the country,” Adeniji said.
He urged INEC and other stakeholders to device measures to eradicate the practice from the country’s political life.
Adeniji said, “The phenomenon should not be allowed to rear its ugly head during governorship elections in Osun and other subsequent elections.”
He said that CNPP, on its part, would try to discourage the practice and deepen democracy values.
Adeniji said that CNPP in the zone would organise a symposium in Lagos on July 24 to examine the issue and other challenges in the nation’s democracy.
He said that the symposium with the theme “Rebuilding Democratic Values” would focus on strengthening democracy for development.
“We are committed to the growth of democracy and that is why the South-West chapter of CNPP is organising the symposium to proffer solutions to some of the challenges in our democracy.
“We will also present awards to personalities and organisations who have contributed in one way or the other to the growth of democracy.
“This is to encourage others to play their part in the development of democracy and promote the right democratic values in the country,” Adeniji said. (NAN)