Former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi has urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and resist financial inducements during elections, warning that accepting money from politicians weakens democracy and enables corruption.
Amaechi made the appeal while speaking to traders at a market in Mararaba, Abuja. In a video circulated online, he admitted that politicians are widely perceived as dishonest, openly acknowledging misconduct within the political class.
“As you see us, we are thieves; we politicians are thieves,” he said, adding that many office seekers make promises they never intend to fulfil once elected. However, he stressed that a small number of leaders still act with integrity and remain guided by moral principles and fear of God.
The former minister argued that corruption in governance is sustained largely because citizens cooperate with politicians who attempt to buy votes. According to him, the number of individuals responsible for looting public resources is relatively small compared with Nigeria’s population, and collective resistance from voters can stop them.
He encouraged Nigerians not to feel powerless, saying ordinary citizens hold the real authority in a democracy. By refusing to sell their votes, he noted, communities can compel politicians to become accountable and focus on delivering genuine development rather than patronage.
Amaechi maintained that although public distrust toward politicians is understandable, citizens must distinguish between corrupt actors and those striving to serve responsibly. He said meaningful change would occur only when voters prioritise competence and character over immediate financial gain offered during campaigns.
His remarks add to ongoing public debate about electoral integrity and the persistent challenge of vote-buying in Nigeria’s elections, an issue widely seen as undermining governance and public trust in democratic institutions.
