In Nigeria’s politics, the line between using resources for campaigning and “buying” a position is mostly talked about with no clear answers. Recent claims by Shiekh Bello Yabo, a Sokoto-based Islamic cleric, bring this issue to the forefront, alleging that President Bola Tinubu confessed to buying his way into the Nigerian presidency.... CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶
This bold statement raises many questions: Is it possible that Bola Tinubu bought the presidency? What does this mean for the integrity of the electoral process?
Shiekh Bello Yabo’s allegation
During a sermon, Shiekh Bello Yabo shared a striking conversation that reportedly took place between President Tinubu and various clerics and traditional rulers. ‘
Sheikh Bello Yabo claimed that President Bola Tinubu openly admitted to purchasing his presidential position during a meeting with clerics and traditional rulers. He praised r Tinubu’s candor, suggesting that Tinubu’s financial influence over the election was a form of honest declaration.
“Tinubu has really impressed me; he invited all the traditional rulers from the North, West, and East and told them bluntly that ‘I bought this seat I’m on with money’,” Mr. Yabo said.
This revelation, if true, suggests a blatant disregard for the electoral process, where money, rather than public approval or policies, determines leadership.
What does this mean?
If a leader admits to buying their position, what does this say about the state of democracy? It implies that financial power can override the votes of the citizens. This situation can lead to a governance where the leader feels more accountable to their finances than to the electorate.
Furthermore, Yabo criticizes those who sell their votes for short-term gains like food or small sums of money, highlighting a cycle of corruption and short-sighted decision-making that may haunt voters long after the elections.
“You have eaten the spaghetti and macaroni you have been given to vote, and now it is finished, it’s all over, so what next? Tinubu says he spent huge sums from the primary elections to the actual presidential election.”
“It’s all over now; let us pray and wait for the next election in 2027. If you like, collect his money again and vote for him, and I assure you, you’ll remain in pain, that’s all,” Mr Yabo said.
Interestingly, the reaction to this claim has been muted. Attempts to reach Tinubu’s spokespeople for a response were unsuccessful, adding a layer of mystery and perhaps credibility to the cleric’s allegations.
This silence from official channels might make one wonder: Is there truth to the claim, or is it merely a provocative statement meant to stir public debate?
