Yusuf Usman Urges Northern Voters to Reject Vote-Buying

Professor Yusuf Usman, the former chairman of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), urged voters in northern Nigeria to learn from the recent political developments in Osun State. In an interview on Wednesday, he criticized the alleged practice of vote-buying and the deployment of over 30,000 security personnel during elections, describing it as excessive and intimidating.

Usman questioned the rationale behind such a large security presence for an election while insecurity persists in northern Nigeria, specifically mentioning Zamfara. He noted that despite the intimidation, voters in Osun exercised their rights.

Usman accused politicians of spending billions of public funds to influence voters, contrasting the short-term benefits offered during elections with the long-term consequences of political choices. He specifically criticized the practice of using religious sentiments to mobilize voters, particularly regarding a Muslim-Muslim political ticket, stating that religious identity should not replace effective governance.

Usman emphasized that northern voters have the power to determine their leadership through the ballot.