By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
True democracy can’t be achieved without positive reforms in the electoral process in the country.
Alhaji Buba Galadima stated this on Wednesday at a one day stakeholders summit on democracy in Nigeria.
It was organised by the National Rescue Movement (NRM) in Abuja.
Speaking at the summit with theme “Elections: Participation and safety in the face of growing insecurity”, Buba called for transparency in the electoral process.
He alleged that nominations within parties are sometimes not done with fairness as candidates are imposed by those in authority.
“Peaceful and credible elections are essential for democracy to thrive. When elections are peaceful, free and fair, it can help facilitate a smooth transfer of power from one administration to another and confer legitimacy on elected officials”.
He condemned the militarisation of the electoral system and said violence and Insecurity is a result of injustice in the country.
Earlier, the National Chairman, NRM, Senator Saidu Dansadau lamented the voting pattern in the country.
He said the elites don’t vote. Saying that only the vulnerable, women and youths vote.
To ensure that the elites vote, Senator Dansadau suggested that owners of big businesses should be made to vote as a condition for any government concession or incentive.
He said voting should be a condition for promotion in the service service and for youths seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
He said that the presence of important personalities in the polling booths will deter those who want to instigate violence.
