Kabiru Turaki, a factional leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged Nigerians not to exchange their votes for money, spaghetti or other immediate benefits ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Turaki gave the warning at the Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed Colloquium held in Bauchi on Monday to mark the 68th birthday of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
Addressing Nigerian youths, Turaki said accepting money or food in exchange for votes would undermine their ability to demand accountability and quality governance from elected officials.
He urged young Nigerians to become more involved in politics and play an active role in choosing their leaders.
“Power is never given. Power is taken,” Turaki said, questioning how long young Nigerians would continue to be told they are the leaders of tomorrow.
He warned that voters who only participate after receiving money or food would have little moral basis to demand effective representation from those they elected.
According to him, voters cannot accept inducements and subsequently expect quality leadership.
Turaki also called for greater public participation in politics, saying Nigerians must pay attention to what happens around them and take responsibility for the quality of leaders they elect.
The PDP factional leader further expressed concern about the quality of legislation in the National Assembly, arguing that the focus should not merely be on the number of laws passed but on whether such laws address Nigerians’ most pressing challenges.
He said legislation should help tackle hunger, unemployment, poverty and insecurity, rather than impose additional burdens on citizens.
Turaki disagreed with former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed, who had criticised the declining independence and vibrancy of the Senate and raised concerns about executive interference.
While Baba-Ahmed called for lawmakers who would defend citizens’ rights and assert the independence of the legislature, Turaki said greater attention should be placed on electing quality legislators capable of producing laws that improve Nigerians’ lives.
The comments come as political activities gradually build towards the 2027 general elections.
