Amid Widespread Poverty, Lagos Politician Allegedly Distributes Garri and Groundnut to Sway Voters Before Victory [VIDEO]

 

David Olusegun Odunmbaku, a prominent political figure in Lagos State, has come under heavy criticism following allegations that he distributed garri and groundnut to residents in exchange for votes. The incident reportedly occurred during the recent Local Council Development Area (LCDA) election, where he contested and emerged victorious as the chairman of Ojodu LCDA.

A TikTok user shared a video that captured the contents of the supposed bribe, sparking outrage among Nigerians across social media. The footage showed plastic packs of garri neatly sealed alongside small bags of groundnut. The user, visibly disappointed, voiced her frustration by saying, “Just imagine what they’re using to bribe us to vote. God, this is garri o.”

Although the practice of voter inducement is not new in Nigerian politics, the simplicity and perceived insult of the offering this time, basic food items that reflect the deep poverty among the electorate, has struck a nerve with many. The timing of the distribution, just before the polls, and Odunmbaku’s landslide victory have led to widespread assumptions that the move was a deliberate political strategy to manipulate the electorate.

Reactions to the video have flooded social platforms, ranging from sarcastic remarks to serious indictments of Nigeria’s political and economic system. One user, @felixteramaka, commented, “Even people that packed it embezzle the groundnut,” highlighting a deep mistrust in both political actors and those connected to them. Another commenter, @ejike1222, bluntly stated, “Even with biscuits you can buy the whole Yoruba land,” suggesting that voters have become so impoverished that the tiniest gesture can win electoral loyalty.

The reactions weren’t limited to humor. Some users shared more sobering thoughts about the political climate. @ralphT posted, “That’s what the politicians do by making us poor so that we will bow to their wishes. They embezzled our money and made us paupers so they can control us.” Others echoed this sentiment, blaming a system that benefits from keeping citizens in a state of need and desperation.

Some tried to justify the act as a global political norm. One commenter, @DekAyeni, said, “Oga, all over the world voters get gifts during elections.” This triggered further debate on whether gift-giving constitutes bribery, especially in a country where hunger is a powerful political tool.

The incident has once again exposed the underlying rot in the electoral process. Critics argue that vote-buying, whether with money, food, or favors, distorts democracy and deprives citizens of the opportunity to vote based on ideas, policies, and competence.

Odunmbaku himself has not made any public statement addressing the allegations. Supporters claim the gesture was simply a goodwill distribution, not a bribe. However, the context of the timing, the packaging of the items, and the widespread distribution suggest otherwise to many observers.

Tensions remain high in certain quarters, with calls for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to investigate not just Odunmbaku’s case, but broader cases of voter inducement that may have marred the local elections across Lagos State. Civil society groups have also weighed in, with some noting that this is a reflection of systemic failure that must be addressed through voter education, stronger electoral laws, and enforcement.

One particularly pointed reaction came from @finalhandslaundry, who wrote, “If them no kpai one politician the rest nor go learn,” a deeply troubling suggestion that violence might be the only way to end political impunity.

From humorous memes to heartfelt laments, the garri-and-groundnut saga paints a vivid picture of the socio-political reality facing many Nigerians. With inflation skyrocketing and unemployment at record highs, food has become more than just sustenance; it is a currency of control. Politicians, recognizing the hunger and despair in many communities, are finding ways to exploit that vulnerability in the most basic, and arguably the most demeaning, ways.

As more Nigerians call for accountability and transparency, it remains to be seen whether such incidents will lead to meaningful reform or continue to be accepted as part of a deeply flawed democratic process. For now, Odunmbaku’s victory remains uncontested, but his legacy may forever be tied to a bag of garri and a handful of groundnut.

@victorpatrick63 Omo this one off me !!!!😂😂😂😂#nigeriantiktok🇳🇬 #saveourcountry ♬ original sound - Ian ginikachi 🇳🇬