A group of Nigerian youths has sparked discussion online after launching an awareness campaign urging parents and other voters not to exchange their votes for cash, food items or other incentives ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A video circulating on social media shows the youths addressing a gathering, with one young woman seen kneeling while appealing to parents to reject inducements allegedly offered by politicians in return for electoral support.
Youths speak against electoral inducement
The campaigners were reportedly carrying placards and encouraging voters to look beyond immediate financial or material benefits when making decisions during elections.
They specifically mentioned offers such as ₦5,000 and bags of rice, arguing that temporary gifts should not determine how citizens exercise their franchise.
The campaign comes amid renewed concerns about vote-buying ahead of the 2027 elections. Former INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye recently warned that electoral inducement had evolved into more visible forms of vote-buying, including transactions taking place around polling units.
Video sparks mixed reactions
The viral footage has generated different responses from social media users, with some supporting the youths’ campaign while others expressed doubts about whether such appeals would change voters’ behaviour.
One user, Iamkpnd, wrote:
“All this things na talk let’s be honest Nigeria get that witch smile or fear whenever something is fast approaching not that they will do shit.”
Elnick Global commented:
“Yeah, I love the spirit. Let’s tell our parents to vote right and vote well.”
Another user, Gbadamosi, expressed scepticism about the effectiveness of the campaign:
“There’s nothing to do about it even begging can’t save us because the election will be rig believe me.”
Saint Vincent wrote:
“Lol make them collect am and still vote their choice. Shey they said “All is fair in politics.””
Gospelwifi added:
“Please help me tell them very well, some are the one’s causing all this things happening in our country.”
Vote-buying remains a major electoral concern
The debate comes as concerns over vote-buying continue to feature prominently in discussions about Nigeria’s 2027 elections. Recent commentary and reporting have highlighted the role of economic hardship and financial inducements in electoral politics.
The youths’ campaign has therefore added to a wider conversation about electoral integrity, voter education and the importance of citizens making independent choices at the ballot box.
The video does not establish which political parties or candidates, if any, were allegedly offering the specific ₦5,000 or bags of rice referenced by the campaigners.