Politicians borrow money to finance campaign – Lagos lawmaker

Eromosele Ebhomele

The representative of Ifako/Ijaiye Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rasheed Makinde, has stated that politicians borrow money from banks and other sources to run their political campaigns.

Makinde who disagrees with call by the public to reduce the salaries and allowances of politicians, added that, most political office holders invested heavily in their campaigns.

“The cost of running elections in Nigeria is very expensive compared to advanced democracies.

“In those countries, you would open an account and people would be donating there for your campaigns.

“In Nigeria, they would borrow you money here and you would need collateral to do so from the banks.

“In our country, you would spend money and if you don’t give people money, you would never win any election except where the electorates are educated and nobody asks you for money.

“It is not a secret, it is open to everybody. So most times, we borrow money to run elections in Nigeria.

“Hardly would you see any legislator that has not borrowed money to do elections, be it state or federal.

“So, how do you repay the money if the salary is poor. When I got to this place, I was disappointed because our salary is not much,” he said.

He however said he sought election into the state Assembly because he wants to serve his people.

“I believe that my coming would bring a lot of changes, which is why I am working hard to see that I do my best,” he said.