The Centre for Democracy and Development West Africa (CDD) has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to intensify awareness campaigns against vote buying through the use of local languages to reach grassroots communities effectively.
This appeal follows allegations of widespread vote buying and low voter turnout during the recent elections in the country.
Information Disorder Analyst at CDD, Ahmad Aluko who made the appeal on behalf of the Organisation cited a viral video of an elderly woman openly admitting to accepting money in exchange for her vote as evidence of the persistent challenge.
He highlighted the importance of prioritising non-English speakers in advocacy efforts during a recent interview with VeonewsNG.
“CSOs have made significant strides, but the gap in communication through local languages remains a major issue. For instance, in Ondo State, the majority of voters communicate in the local language. Advocacy efforts must be tailored to engage them in a language they understand,” Aluko explained.
Speaking on the upcoming local government elections in Lagos, Aluko urged residents to support ongoing council administration reforms by actively participating in the voting process.
“Local Government Administrations are closer to the people than state or central government officials. It is even more crucial that we focus on who occupies these positions. The best of us must be allowed to take these offices,” he stated.
Aluko stressed the role of citizens in electing competent leaders at the council level, where policies often have the most direct impact on daily life.
When asked about the possibility of transferring the responsibilities of State Independent Electoral Commissions to INEC, Aluko dismissed the idea, stressing the need to strengthen existing structures rather than centralise them.
