The upcoming Senate Presidency election which is scheduled for June 11, 2019 has been marked with allegations of vote buying by aspirants. Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has revealed that some aspirants are offering as much as $200,000 to their fellow senators-elect in order to buy their votes.
Senator Ali Ndume, who is one of the longest-serving members of the Senate, disclosed this information during a recent interview on Arise TV. He lamented the fact that money has become the major qualification for some aspirants seeking the Senate Presidency position.
The senator also stated that he had not been approached by any of the aspirants offering money in exchange for his vote. However, he confirmed that some aspirants are boasting about the huge sums of money they plan to share with their fellow senators-elect, with figures ranging from $10,000 to $200,000.
Senator Ndume expressed disappointment over the development, noting that such a trend does not bode well for the Senate’s integrity.
The Senate Presidency election has generated intense interest and debate among political stakeholders both within and outside the National Assembly. The outcome of the election will determine who becomes the next Senate President of the 9th National Assembly.
It is hoped that the election will take place in a free and fair manner, devoid of vote buying or any other negative malpractice.
