March 18 polls: All parties guilty of vote-buying in Niger, says Kantigi

Gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the March 18, 2023 election in Niger State, Isah Kantigi, has accused all the political parties that contested the election of vote-buying and other forms of electoral fraud during polls.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, yesterday, Kantigi identified poverty, hunger and illiteracy as factors the political class capitalised on to shortchange the electorate.

“It baffles me when our people are bribed with one mudu (1.3kg) of rice, a pack of noodles or wrapper to influence them to vote for a particular party. What a pity? All the political parties are guilty of vote-buying during polls. They are involved in one way or another. I sympathise with our people for mortgaging their future and that of their children, even my party is not exempted,” Kantigi said.

He urged stakeholders to partner relevant authorities responsible for voter education to sensitise Nigerians, especially rural people, on the need to be conscious of moneybag politicians.

On the declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Umar Bago, as winner of the governorship election, he said: “In any contest, a winner must emerge, and Allah choses whoever he wants.”

He, however, ruled out legal action against the emergence of Bago as the governor-elect, and enjoined Niger people to support his administration to develop the state.