Ahead of 2023 general elections, electorates have been warned against selling their votes but to vote for candidates based on their personal attributes and not for party considerations.
Speaking about the need to avoid the illicit practice of vote trading under the influence of some politicians who do not mean well for the welfare and well-being of the electorates, a philanthropist and Convener of Democratic Forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Omooba Sodrudeen Ayodeji said poverty is never a justification to sell one’s votes and urged everyone to desist from all forms of vote trading that would affect one’s development.
Omooba Sodrudeen Ayodeji made this known today while engaging its members in Abeokuta stated that the group was founded as part of efforts to checkmate the wrongs and abnormalities happening in the political space.
He noted that politicians should be elected based on their manifestos and they should be made to account for their promises in regardless of political affiliations as dividend of democracy should be the benefit of the citizens to ensure a better society.
He said, “I am happy that the group has continued to grow despite the short period of its establishment”.
“We are not a political party and have no affiliation with any political party, our objective is to ensure that we support the aspiration of trustworthy and viable aspirants who is more than able to make life easier for the electorates in regardless of any political party”.
“Since the inception of this group, we have continued to provide succour to our members and less privilege ones in the society through our empowerment programmes and we will ensure that this is sustained to put smile on the face of our people and to also boost micro, small and medium businesses”.
“I want to also call on our members and electorates not to sell their votes to any politicians because of ordinary gift or food items as it will be like receiving one day of gratification from politicians and being deprived of four years of good governance.
He also advised eligible citizens to get their permanent voters’ card (PVC) ahead of the 2023 elections as they cannot fold their hands in matters involving politics, stressing that eligible members of the group must register to vote.
He added that the group must vote for competent leaders across all positions irrespective of their political or religious affiliations.
”If our youths get employed, the economy of the entire country will improve. Most importantly, we do not have political affiliations, but we cannot fold our arms and ignore politics”, he said.
Also speaking, Hon. Olagoke Kuye harped on the need to vote for credible candidates as against political party for the progress of the country.
He stressed that measures should be mapped out to sensitize electorates on the need to know what was expected of them ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He reiterated his continuous support to the progress of the group and well-being of its members.
On the sideline of the event, Mrs. Ayo Ademolake was appointed as the Matron of the group, while Okunowo Olamide Afolasade got the position of Abeokuta South Coordinator.
Other appointees include; Adeola Oluwakemi as State Constituency 2 Coordinator, Morenikeji Sobande (State Constituency 1), Olatunbosun as the Secretary, and Apata Olufunke as the group’s Welfare Officer.
