By SHAKIRAT LAWAL

Nigerians have been urged to participate actively in the forthcoming 2027 general elections and resist electoral malpractice, particularly vote-buying.

The call was made during today’s edition of Standpoint, a programme on Emirate 98.5 FM, hosted by Bukola Omoshewo. The programme was monitored by SHAKIRAT LAWAL.

Guests on the programme, Hon. Idris Buko and Comrade Lanre Osho said Nigeria’s electoral system had evolved significantly from what obtained in previous years, particularly with the introduction of technology into the electoral process.

In his words, Comrade Osho posited that the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) had strengthened voter accreditation and helped address some forms of electoral malpractice.

He however, acknowledged that electoral malpractice still exists, although, according to him, it now occurs on a more limited scale, including the inducement of voters with money or other items in exchange for their votes.

He further cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes, stressing that such an action could have consequences beyond the immediate financial benefit.

Also contributing to the discussion, Hon. Buko commended the efforts of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and it’s current Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, towards improving the credibility of elections in the country.

Buko urged citizens to be deliberate and responsible when casting their ballots, noting that electoral decisions have implications not only for individual voters but also for the wider society.

He also encouraged Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming 2027 elections, stressing the importance of citizens exercising their constitutional right to vote.

Recall that the Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, has similarly described the success of the 2027 elections as a collective responsibility involving government institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and citizens.