As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections, former minister and Peoples Democratic Party factional chairman Kabiru Turaki has urged voters to reject cash, food items and other inducements offered in exchange for their votes.
Turaki gave the warning on Monday at a colloquium organised in Bauchi to mark the 68th birthday of Governor Bala Mohammed, where discussions focused on Nigeria’s political development, governance and the role of citizens ahead of the next election cycle.
Addressing Nigerian youths, the PDP factional chairman said voters should assess candidates based on their ability to provide quality representation and contribute meaningfully to national development rather than accepting temporary material benefits.
He specifically cautioned Nigerians against exchanging their votes for money, rice, spaghetti or other forms of inducement, arguing that such transactions can undermine citizens’ ability to demand accountability from the politicians they elect.
Turaki said citizens who make electoral choices based on immediate financial or material rewards may find it more difficult to hold elected officials accountable for poor governance after elections.
He also urged young Nigerians to become more actively involved in politics and governance, challenging the longstanding description of youths as “leaders of tomorrow” while political decision-making continues without sufficient youth participation.
According to him, young people should not be treated merely as campaign crowds or election statistics but should participate meaningfully in the processes through which political leaders and policies are determined.
Turaki argued that political power would not simply be handed over to young people and encouraged them to become involved in political structures and electoral processes rather than waiting indefinitely for their turn.
He also linked the quality of governance to the choices Nigerians make at the ballot box, saying citizens have an important role in determining the calibre of people who eventually occupy public offices.
The PDP figure further raised concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s legislature, arguing that the country needs lawmakers capable of producing legislation that addresses pressing social and economic challenges.
He identified hunger, unemployment, poverty and insecurity among the issues that should receive serious attention when lawmakers consider policies and legislation.
Turaki said the focus should therefore not simply be on the number of bills passed by the National Assembly but on whether such legislation responds to the everyday challenges confronting Nigerians.
He argued that effective legislation should improve citizens’ lives and strengthen democratic governance rather than merely increase the volume of laws produced by lawmakers.
His comments came during a wider discussion about the relationship between the legislature and the executive arm of government, following remarks by former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed about the independence of the Senate.
Baba-Ahmed had argued that the Senate’s independence and effectiveness had been weakened by repeated executive interference and questioned whether lawmakers were adequately representing citizens or political interests.
Turaki disagreed with Baba-Ahmed’s assessment, maintaining that greater attention should be placed on electing lawmakers capable of delivering quality representation and legislation.
He said a legislature that effectively represents citizens should be able to scrutinise government actions, address national problems and contribute to stronger democratic checks and balances.
The warning comes as political parties and candidates prepare for the 2027 elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, according to the election timetable published by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
INEC has also announced preparations for the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards to eligible registered voters, including those who recently registered, transferred their voting locations or requested replacement cards.
With political activity expected to intensify ahead of the polls, voter inducement remains an important issue because cash and food items have frequently featured in discussions about electoral conduct in Nigeria.
Turaki’s appeal therefore places responsibility not only on politicians seeking votes but also on citizens to evaluate candidates and participate actively in the electoral process.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to look beyond immediate benefits and consider the longer-term consequences of the leaders they choose.
As preparations for 2027 continue, the debate over vote buying, youth participation and legislative accountability is expected to remain part of the wider national conversation about the quality of Nigeria’s democracy.