A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and resist the temptation to exchange their votes and future for money ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Aborisade said voters should elect leaders based on their capacity to deliver positive change rather than the financial inducements offered during elections.
The human rights lawyer made the call in an interview in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
Speaking on his political journey and motivation for joining politics, the United Kingdom-trained lawyer stressed that his involvement in politics was driven by a desire to serve the people, alleviate poverty and make a meaningful impact on society.
According to him, the current economic situation has left many Nigerians hungry and depressed, making purposeful leadership imperative.
He said: “As we approach the election period, I urge Nigerians to vote those that will bring positive change as governors and president. Don’t vote because of money. Don’t send your votes and birthrights in exchange for money.”
Aborisade, who said he returned to Nigeria because of his desire to contribute to the country, added that he was motivated by what he described as his “heart of service.”
“I have the heart of service. Any role given to me, I serve. I am here to add value; that is why I returned to Nigeria. Nigerians are suffering a lot,” he said.
He said his political involvement was rooted in a long-standing commitment to public service, noting that his father was a grassroots politician in Ibadan.
Aborisade said he had been deeply involved in politics since the days of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP), adding that he was among those who opposed the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
He also recalled his association with the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and progressive political movements, describing the late Chief Bola Ige as one of his political mentors.
According to him, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo remains his political model because of his impact on society.
“Till date, nobody has made impact like Awolowo in Nigeria. He made a name for himself and remains a model,” he said.
On the relationship between activism and politics, Aborisade said both were closely related, but warned that activists could end up helping politicians without being able to influence how political power was subsequently exercised.
He said he entered politics because he wanted to contribute directly to rescuing the country from its current challenges.
“That is why I am into politics to rescue Nigeria,” he said.
Aborisade also criticised what he described as the politicisation of activism, arguing that some individuals who present themselves as human rights activists were, in his view, primarily trade unionists who rose through organisational structures and zoning arrangements.
On Oyo State politics, Aborisade expressed confidence in his party’s prospects in the 2027 election, saying the ADC would win and transform the state.
Aborisade also cautioned Governor ’Seyi Makinde against godfather politics, urging him to learn from the political crisis involving former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara.
He warned that politicians who emerged through godfather structures could become answerable to those who facilitated their emergence.
“Those brought in by godfather are answerable to the godfather. That is why Rivers State has not witnessed peace,” he said.
Aborisade, who alleged that Makinde was spending Oyo State resources on his presidential ambition, urged the governor to retrace his steps.
