In an interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily, Basiru expressed his disapproval of such practices, stating that "It is not only unethical, but it is also disturbing if the leadership of an exalted body like Senate and House of Representatives have to be bought." He further added that the act of buying votes "portends danger for democracy," and that the National Assembly needed to address the issue.
However, Basiru noted that lobbying for support was acceptable, but buying votes was a step too far. "When it comes to actual purchase, if I may use that word, I think that is dangerous for democracy," he said.
The issue of vote-buying has been a recurring problem in Nigeria's political landscape, and the 2019 general elections were no exception. In many cases, political aspirants and parties resorted to buying votes to gain an advantage over their opponents. This practice undermines the credibility of elections and the democratic process.
The Senate President is a vital position in Nigeria's democracy and should be occupied by someone who has earned the trust and respect of their colleagues, not someone who bought their way into the position. It is crucial that the National Assembly takes appropriate steps to prevent such unethical practices from occurring.
Meanwhile, the race for the position of Senate President continues, with several aspirants making moves to secure the support of their colleagues. It is expected that the competition will be fierce as the aspirants jostling for the position, which carries significant influence and power within the National Assembly.
As Nigeria prepares for the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly, it is essential that the lawmakers conduct themselves with the utmost integrity and uphold the tenets of democracy. The election of the Senate President should be a transparent and fair process, free from any form of vote-buying or other unethical practices.
The National Assembly must take urgent steps to address the issue of vote-buying and ensure that the election of the Senate President is conducted in a manner that reflects the will of the people and promotes the credibility of the democratic process. It is only then that Nigeria can move forward and build a vibrant, democratic society that works for all its citizens.