A Lagos politician who is currently contesting in an upcoming local government election has come under heavy criticism after he was allegedly caught distributing packs of garri and groundnut to residents in exchange for their votes. The controversial act has fueled a heated debate about the state of politics in Nigeria and the tactics employed by politicians to sway voters.
This incident was brought to light through a video shared on TikTok by user @victorpatrick63, which quickly gained massive attention online. In the video, several food packages could be seen clearly labeled with the politician’s name and campaign slogan, signaling that the items were intended as a campaign strategy to buy favor and secure votes from local constituents.
A resident featured in the clip expressed his shock and disapproval upon receiving one of the packages. He was heard saying in disbelief: “Just imagine what they’re using to bribe us to vote. God, this is garri o.” He further lamented: “To get our votes, they’re sharing garri. There’s even one groundnut inside. What’s this country turning into?” His remarks highlight the frustration and disillusionment many Nigerians feel toward the political class.
Following the release of the video, social media exploded with reactions. Many Nigerians criticized the politician's tactics as insulting and reflective of a broader pattern of voter exploitation. They argued that these handouts represent a deeper problem where politicians capitalize on poverty and economic hardship to manipulate the masses.
Several commenters pointed out that such actions show the lack of genuine development plans and the failure of leaders to address systemic poverty. Instead of investing in community projects or providing meaningful solutions, they resort to distributing small food items as temporary relief to win votes.
Others viewed it as a sad commentary on the political system, suggesting that some voters might still accept these items and vote accordingly due to economic desperation. There were also sarcastic takes and humorous comments mocking the entire scenario, while some called for more stringent laws to curb electoral malpractice and voter bribery.
See some reactions below:
ejike1222: “Even with biscuits you can buy the whole yoruba land.”
felixteramaka: “even people that packed it embezzle the groundnut.”
Dek Ayeni: “Oga all over the world voters get gifts during elections.”
MR CHIGOZIE: “They’ve made it for Yorubas and alamagiri northern state, it’s remain agbado.”
BIGLEO: “No be drinking garri be una food ? Use am hold body na, since tribalism and hatred no gree una make sure Nigeria get good leadership.”
depope: “just buy sugar and groundnut then u are good to go😁..na see finish…politicians no fit try dis for igbo region.”
finalhands laundry: “If them no kpai one politician the rest nor go learn.”
ABOBIMAKANAKI👿👿: “mazi Nnamdi Kanu is in detention for exposing them and demanding for freedom.”
Justice for Northerners: “This politicians are so wicked, we poor support to teach them lessons.”
ralph T: “That’s what the politicians do by making us poor so that we will bow to their wishes. They embezzled our money and make us pauper so that they can control us.”
Cletus Christophers: “that’s why they are looting the country so that the poor will be voting them.”
ijelleNze: “na my garri be this oooo we no get another one na my garri be this ooooo eeer.”
As the 2025 elections draw closer, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for electoral reforms and civic education to empower voters to resist manipulative tactics. Many Nigerians have called on authorities, as well as civil society organizations, to intensify efforts against vote buying and ensure that elections truly reflect the will of the people.
WATCH VIDEO:
@victorpatrick63Omo this one off me !!!!😂😂😂😂#nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #saveourcountry
♬ original sound – Ian ginikachi 🇳🇬
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