A member of the opposition party in the House of Representatives has expressed commitment to supporting voters’ rights as a means of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process and promoting sustainable democratic development.
The lawmaker representing Sumaila/Takai Federal Constituency under the opposition party, All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Hon. Rabi’u Yusif, made the commitment while speaking on a bill seeking to mandate eligible voters with valid voter cards to cast their votes in any election across the country.
The lawmaker said the bill was recently introduced in the House for legislative processing and is currently in the pipeline. He emphasized that voting is one of the fundamental rights of all eligible voters, adding that the opposition members in the House are fully in support of the bill—provided that politicians genuinely uphold democratic principles in the country.
Hon. Rabi’u Yusif argued that, from the opposition’s perspective, it should be made compulsory for every eligible voter to use their voter’s card to elect credible candidates who will lead with the interest of the common man at heart, rather than for selfish gain.
The lawmaker therefore charged the women and youth of the country who constitute the majority of the population to rise to the occasion and use their constitutional mandate to bring credible leaders to power, in order to restore the glory and happiness of Nigerians.
As a member of the opposition, he expressed optimism that in the remaining period of this administration, those in power should do everything possible to ensure Nigerians enjoy the true dividends of democracy.
He warned that continuing along the current path would not be beneficial to the socio-economic development of the country.
On the political front, Hon. Rabi’u emphasized that the speculations circulating on social media about the leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are unfounded.
He described Kwankwaso as a leader with a high level of political intellect, unlike some political opportunists or self-serving individuals.
According to him, Kwankwaso has three strategic options to consider and all of them are aimed at serving the interests of Nigerians, not personal ambition.
He further explained that the National Leader of the ANPP, Rabiu Kwankwaso, can choose among several options: to remain in his party, the ANPP; to work with a coalition aimed at salvaging the country in the interest of the people; or, if the ruling party changes its direction and agenda for the betterment of the citizens, he may consider aligning with it. However, if the ruling party continues on its current path, it will not be possible for Kwankwaso to join merely for the interest of a few individuals.
Bashir M
