AKIM YUSUF CALLS FOR ELECTORAL REFORM, SECURITY OVERHAUL, CRITICISES VOTE-BUYING AND POVERTY POLITICS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Dr. Akim Yusuf, Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC)’s governorship candidate, Political analyst and commentator, has called on Nigerians to rethink their approach to leadership selection, warning that vote-buying and economic hardship are weakening democratic accountability in the country.

Speaking during a live political programme monitored on 101.7 FM in Ibadan, Dr. Yusuf said popularity alone does not translate into electoral success, stressing that many highly visible politicians often fail to convert public recognition into votes.

According to him, contemporary politics in Nigeria has been reduced to social media popularity contests, while the electorate often overlooks issues of credibility and governance capacity.

He said, “Sometimes you have to drag popularity to votes because you can be very popular on social media and in the news, but the real question is whether those people will come out and vote.”

Dr. Yusuf also criticised what he described as the growing influence of material inducements in elections, saying many voters have become more interested in immediate handouts than long-term governance outcomes.

He lamented that politicians now exploit poverty by distributing food items and small cash incentives during elections, a practice he said undermines democratic development.

“The masses place too much emphasis on giveaways. After one meal, they have sold off four years of their life,” he said, urging voters to prioritise trustworthiness and long-term vision in leadership choices.

On governance and development, the analyst argued that Nigeria’s current economic challenges are linked to weak accountability systems and poor management of public resources, noting that regions that demonstrate stronger governance structures tend to record better development outcomes.

He further expressed concern over worsening insecurity across the country, calling for a comprehensive security overhaul that includes stronger presence in rural and forested communities.

Dr. Yusuf classified insecurity into different categories, including mass abductions in rural areas and sporadic kidnappings in urban centres, stressing the need for tailored responses to each.

He advocated increased deployment of security personnel, better equipment, and expanded use of technology, warning that current manpower levels were insufficient to secure vast rural territories.

According to him, “We need a total overhaul of our security system so that people can feel safe. The best antidote to criminals with guns is more trained and well-equipped security personnel.”

The analyst also raised concerns over youth unemployment, linking it to rising criminal behaviour and social instability. He warned that neglecting young people could worsen insecurity and social vices in the country.

He added that sustainable governance should focus on job creation, skills development, and improving access to economic opportunities rather than short-term welfare distribution.

Dr. Yusuf also criticised what he described as widening inequality, saying while many Nigerians struggle with poverty, a small elite continue to accumulate excessive wealth.

He urged government at all levels to adopt policies that promote inclusive development and reduce dependence on political handouts, stressing that national stability depends on improving living standards.

The programme also featured discussions on the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the analyst expressing confidence that emerging political movements could reshape Nigeria’s electoral dynamics, while warning that internal party disputes and defections could affect political stability.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders and prioritise competence over sentiment in future elections.