EPISODE 2 is an instalment of the radio drama Not For Sale, a production focused on election and community participation. This project is a collaboration between Agents of Communication and Development and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with support from UK-FCDO.
This episode primarily explores the conflict between an incumbent politician, referred to as "the Honourable Madukanaya" , and his principled uncle, Majie, a retired Magistrate, amid a new election cycle.
The Honourable is deeply troubled by his uncle, Majie, who is highly respected in the community and is a retired lawyer knowledgeable about electoral law. The Honourable complains that Majie refuses bribes that other lawyers take freely. The Honourable’s biggest concern is that Majie is actively telling people to stop taking the things he gives them to secure their support, which the Honourable fears might ruin his political career.
The Honourable assures his team that their political plans (A, B, and C) remain intact, despite noting that some people in the community are becoming "wise up". He maintains that all they need is money. When warned that bribery and other electoral malpractices are crimes that could lead to arrest and jail, the Honourable dismisses the threat, stating he will release them immediately because "money is talking".
Majie is portrayed as a difficult man who constantly refuses attempts to "settle him," believing the politician is trying to buy his support. Separately, Majie and Wife discuss the incumbent’s corruption, noting he was a good person before entering politics. They observe that politicians deliberately starve or deprive the masses and then offer "some crumbs" when people are hungry.
Majie explains that unless people refuse those "crumbs" as a collective effort, they will remain captive to corrupt politicians. He is leading a civic education and outreach campaign in public places to inform people that vote buying and selling is a crime under the law. The goal is to make it clear to politicians that the greatest currency is now the “goodwill of the people”, not money or stolen resources.
Majie, approaches Utugbaraigwe to discuss the welfare of the Umuoma Federal constituency. He describes Madukanaya as a "disaster" and asks Utugbaraigwe to run as their representative.
Majie initially expresses reluctance, recalling his loss in 2019 when he campaigned with a manifesto while the incumbent was "busy buying people over with money". He also states he lacks the funds to invest in politics.
Majie assures Utu that money is not necessary. If Utu gives his consent, the community will mobilize for him, urging him to focus on his constituents and leave the rest to them. Utu agrees to consider the offer.
The episode concludes with a civic announcement warning the public about the legal repercussions of selling or buying voter cards. Engaging in these actions is a "big offence" punishable by a fine of up to 500,000 naira, two years in prison, or both. The final message encourages people to protect their future, not sell their votes for small change, and emphasizes that hope and dignity will prevail.
The struggle depicted in the episode is like a battle between two opposing economic systems: one where political success is achieved through purchasing influence and exploiting deprivation (the Honourable/Madukanaya), and another where success must be built on the priceless currency of public trust and genuine goodwill (Majie and the civic activists).
