Rice of Politics: How Local Elections Are Stealing Food from the Poor

By Businessworldng

In a dusty corner of Bodija Market, Ibadan, Risi Lawal stares at the last bag of rice in her stall. It's the third day she hasn’t sold a full bag — not because customers aren't coming, but because they simply cannot afford it anymore. “They say I’ve joined the politicians,” she murmurs, her voice laced with frustration. “But it’s not me — it’s the system.”

With local government elections fast approaching in Nigeria, a quiet crisis is unfolding in markets across the country. Politicians, in their bid to win hearts — and votes — are bulk-buying rice in massive quantities to distribute as campaign gifts. The ripple effect? A steep and sudden spike in rice prices, leaving everyday Nigerians struggling even harder to feed their families.

Just weeks ago, a 50kg bag of rice sold for ₦55,000. Today, that same bag is going for between ₦67,000 and ₦72,000. The surge is not driven by fuel prices or international import restrictions — it’s driven by politics. "The market is dry, and yet prices are flying," Risi says. "What do they want us to eat? Sand?"

In a country where rice is not just a staple food but a symbol of survival, this trend has sparked anger, especially among market women and low-income families. For many, rice was already a luxury item. Now, even small measures are becoming unattainable. Families are scaling down to less nutritious meals or skipping meals altogether, while sellers lose both trust and income.

Experts say the issue exposes a deeper flaw in Nigeria’s election culture — where food becomes a tool of manipulation, rather than a right. “This is vote-buying disguised as generosity,” says Dr. Funke Oladele, a development economist. “It distorts the market, hurts the poor, and ultimately deepens inequality.”

To change the narrative, stakeholders are calling for policy reforms: better price monitoring during election seasons, limits on campaign-induced commodity hoarding, and stronger support for local food producers. Until then, Nigeria’s poor will continue to pay the price — not just at the polls, but at the dinner table.