Vote Buying, Bad Governance Threaten Nigeria’s Future

Electoral thuggery, vote buying, insecurity and bad governance are among the major concerns facing Nigeria, according to Michael Abbey, who called on the government to focus more on human capital development and the welfare of citizens.

Speaking to Next Africa Daily on October 16, 2026, Abbey said he was particularly concerned about electoral thuggery, which he claimed was sponsored by politicians seeking to remain in power.

He said poverty had made some Nigerians vulnerable to vote buying, as some citizens could accept a cup of rice, garri or ₦5,000 in exchange for their votes.

Abbey expressed fear that citizens who sold their votes could spend the next four years facing hardship, scarcity and other difficulties. He compared the situation to Esau selling his birthright.

On insecurity, he said Nigerians were aware of reports of schoolchildren and teachers being abducted, as well as religious crises in parts of the country.

He also mentioned the rising cost of food, saying political leaders should be aware of the difficulties ordinary Nigerians were facing. He added that people had continued to express their concerns on social media, but he believed their complaints were being ignored.

Abbey said the government should give more attention to human capital development, adding that investing in people could help promote economic growth. He also said many Nigerians had lost confidence in their leaders because of unfulfilled promises.

According to him, personal interests have continued to influence politics, leaving citizens without the leadership and plans they expect.

He further identified bad governance and corruption as major problems facing Nigeria. He said leaders should be concerned about the welfare of the people and should be held accountable for their actions.

Abbey expressed doubt that Nigeria could achieve meaningful progress if elected leaders continued to make promises without fulfilling them. He maintained that the country needed a change in political priorities, with greater attention given to the needs of the people.