By Funmi Falae
As preparations intensify for the forthcoming Governorship Election in Ekiti State, Media for Human Development Foundation has called on residents and eligible voters to reject vote trading and all forms of electoral malpractice capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process.
The organisation made the call during its ongoing voter education and sensitisation campaign across communities in the state, aimed at promoting peaceful, free, fair and credible elections.
The Executive Director of the organisation, Ayotomiwa Ayodele, stressed that vote trading remains one of the major threats to democracy and good governance in Nigeria, noting that citizens must understand the long-term consequences of exchanging their votes for money or other material benefits.
Ayodele explained that when voters sell their votes, they indirectly mortgage their future and empower leaders who may not prioritise the welfare and development of the people.
She urged residents of Ekiti State to see the forthcoming election as an opportunity to elect credible leaders based on competence, integrity and capacity rather than financial inducement.
The organisation also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency, fairness and credibility throughout the electoral process. According to the organisation, INEC must remain impartial and strengthen measures that will guarantee public confidence in the outcome of the election.
Media for Human Development Foundation further called on security agencies to provide adequate protection for electorates, election officials, journalists and other stakeholders before, during and after the election.
The organisation emphasised the need for professionalism among security personnel, urging them to maintain neutrality and ensure a peaceful atmosphere that would encourage citizens to participate freely in the democratic process without fear or intimidation.
Ayodele reaffirmed the commitment of the organisation to promoting voter education, democratic accountability and good governance through continuous civic engagement and public enlightenment programmes.
She also appealed to political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of causing violence or disrupting the electoral process.
