LAGOS – Nigerians are worried about the ongoing practice of buying votes by determined politicians who keep taking advantage of widespread poverty among voters to break the Electoral Act before the 2027 national elections.
It is worth noting that in recent general elections and certain staggered gubernatorial elections, politicians from various political parties, particularly those from the ruling parties at the federal or state level, have been widely reported to have undermined the electoral process by offering money to voters in exchange for their support.
It is also worth remembering that during the recent Anambra state governorship election, the opposition parties accused the ruling All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) of widespread vote buying before and throughout the election.
Several monitoring organizations during the November 8 election indeed verified that extensive vote buying occurred by nearly all major parties, although they did not identify the perpetrators.
Chief Martin Onovo, a veteran politician and the 2015 presidential hopeful for the National Conscience Party (NCP), one of the parties interviewed by Sunday Independent, mentioned that vote buying and selling, similar to other prevalent crimes, might not be entirely eradicated, but can be managed and regulated effectively through three straightforward measures.
Currently, Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Onovo, stated that this trend can be addressed through voter education and promotion against the practice of buying and selling votes.
He also stated that measures such as intelligence surveillance, monitoring, arrest, freezing of funds, and legal action against both those who offer and those who accept votes, could help to curb the trend.
Onovo emphasized: "It seems that slush funds are utilized for purchasing votes. Hence, anti-corruption initiatives will aid in managing vote buying and selling."
Nevertheless, the lawless governing party is the main purchaser of votes. Therefore, it might be unreasonable to anticipate them planning and acting against vote buying.
Therefore, we need to first unite in order to defeat them through democratic means and establish a competent administration. A capable government will subsequently create an ethical environment. In this manner, we can significantly reduce vote buying.
Human rights attorney Olelekan Festus Ojo, a proponent of effective governance and social equity, stated that vote buying continues to be one of the most damaging challenges to Nigeria's democracy.
Barrister Ojo, the Managing Partner at Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, a top law firm in Nigeria, stated to Sunday Independent that vote buying "undermines the integrity of the ballot, misrepresents the public's intent, and sustains a system of governance based on corruption and favoritism instead of skill and responsibility."
To ensure the authenticity of elections, Nigeria needs to address this threat by combining legal changes, strong oversight, and a shift in societal attitudes.
Initially, enforcement should move past empty words. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the EFCC, and security forces must regard vote buying as a criminal offense with defined repercussions.
The creation of specialized election offense tribunals would facilitate quick legal action, while requiring public disclosure of cases would enhance deterrence. Political parties should also be held responsible for financial violations and breaches of campaign funding regulations as outlined in the Electoral Act.
Secondly, the organization and technology involved in elections need to be re-evaluated. INEC must implement polling station configurations that ensure voter confidentiality and prevent tampering.
The ongoing use of the BVAS and electronic result transmission will also make tampering less beneficial.
Third, political parties need to enhance their internal democracy. If party nominations become a commodity, candidates may see vote buying as a form of compensation.
Lowering the expenses of primary elections and linking public financing to clear party behavior can diminish this culture of transactional politics.
Alongside enforcement, civic education plays a vital role. People need to realize that trading a vote is the same as relinquishing their right to expect effective governance.
Faith-based and local community figures have the potential to significantly influence public perceptions regarding the credibility of elections.
Ultimately, vote buying persists in areas where poverty is common and government effectiveness is low. Alleviating economic insecurity via social welfare programs, employment opportunities, and noticeable public service provision will slowly diminish the demand for electoral incentives.
True democracy in Nigeria will only develop when the people's choice, rather than the wealthiest individual, decides who leads. Stopping vote buying is not merely a legal requirement; it is a moral duty to protect our country's future.
Lawyer Emeka Iheonu, during an interview with the Sunday Independent, mentioned that vote buying poses a significant risk to Nigeria, a problem that is not new.
As he stated, "In reality, it is a part of Nigeria's political history and elections, where votes are traded for food, favors, and money."
Strategies involving the purchase of votes are effective when there are fewer individuals to bribe, and when politicians can verify, or persuade voters that they can verify, who they actually voted for.
To stop vote buying, it must be defined as a crime in the Electoral Act. True empowerment of Nigerians or better living conditions would significantly decrease the number of Nigerians who rely on bribes during elections.
Nigerians must uphold strong principles and self-control to prevent the small amounts they get during elections.
Hon. Shakirudeen O. Olofin, former Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Lagos State branch, who addressed the issue of eradicating vote buying, stated that it demands a comprehensive approach.
Hon. Olofin said: "Firstly, we must enhance legal systems by applying significant penalties and extended bans for candidates and voters found guilty, and guarantee quick action via specialized anti-corruption courts."
Secondly, we need to implement a clear electoral system—smart biometric voter cards, immediate result transmission, and public vote-tracking platforms—to ensure that vote exchanges are visible and can be traced.
Thirdly, there is a requirement to enhance civic education so that individuals recognize that trading votes weakens democracy and jeopardizes their own future.
Fourth, we should enhance the regulations governing political party financing, requiring transparency in donations to minimize dependence on illegal financial inflows.
Ultimately, enable civil society and local observers to oversee voting locations, document anomalies, and ensure officials are responsible.
These actions can prevent vote buying and revive the integrity of elections.
Economist and financial expert Professor John Ebhomien expressed concern in a conversation with Sunday Independent, stating that vote buying has emerged as a repeated issue in Nigeria's elections following the nation's shift to democracy.
Ebhomien, a leader from the All Progressives Congress (APC), stated: “To eradicate this problem and guarantee fair elections, the following approaches can be used. Pass strong laws that clearly outline and ban vote buying, along with severe consequences for those who violate them.”
Inform the public about the harmful effects of vote buying on democratic processes and the significance of their voting power. Tackle poverty and encourage economic development to decrease voters' vulnerability to monetary influence.
Improve the accuracy of the voter list and minimize the possibility of vote trading by implementing biometric registration and additional strategies.
Make sure that election procedures are open and clear, and ensure that officials are responsible for any irregularities.
Promote a climate of community involvement, motivating individuals to alert authorities about voting irregularities and to take part in the democratic system.
Primarily, the Federal Government and INEC need to tackle the underlying reasons for vote buying, including poverty, unemployment, lack of education, corruption, weak institutions, and the absence of confidence in the government.
By implementing these measures, Nigeria can progress toward more reliable and open elections, reinforcing its democratic structures and encouraging effective governance.
Baba Aye, a seasoned activist and Co-Convener of the Campaign for Revolution (CORE), who addressed the Sunday Independent, remarked: “When the majority of the population are poor and have also realized that all politicians from the ruling class simply deceive and won't take any action to enhance the lives of the underprivileged, vote buying becomes widespread.”
He stated that vote buying reflects a lack of trust and a cynical attitude toward an untrustworthy system, emphasizing, "We need to alter the prevailing patterns of national politics and economic structure to put an end to vote buying."
Guarantee that individuals lead fulfilling lives. Hold politicians responsible, including making it simple to remove them from office. Place citizens at the center of governance, ensuring genuine decision-making authority originates from the grassroots.
Only then will you witness the end of vote buying.
Tola Oresanwo, another advocate, argued that eradicating vote buying in Nigeria demands a comprehensive strategy tackling both law enforcement and economic issues.
Oresanwo, the Director of Administration and Programmes at the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), also emphasized that addressing vote buying requires "First, enhancing electoral laws to enforce harsher punishments for both those who buy and those who sell votes, while guaranteeing prompt legal action against offenders."
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) needs to enhance oversight at polling stations by employing more thoroughly trained temporary personnel, implementing technology such as CCTV and electronic voting systems, and working closely with law enforcement to prevent monetary temptations.
Voter awareness is just as important — people need to understand the risks of exchanging their votes for immediate benefits.
Additionally, political parties must be required to follow rigorous campaign finance rules, including open audits of their financial sources and spending.
Finally, addressing poverty and joblessness will decrease the susceptibility of citizens to vote trading, thus fostering integrity, responsibility, and authentic representation within Nigeria's democratic system.
The country's poverty rate needs to be brought to the lowest possible level; a person who cannot foresee where their next meal will come from may exchange anything, including their vote, as a temporary survival tactic.
Julius Adegunna, a media executive based in Lagos, said, "I don't see vote buying ending anytime soon, as it is only during election periods that Nigerian politicians recognize and value the voters."
Due to the widespread poverty caused by politicians, voters will keep accepting money or any form of incentive from them.
Another factor is that election time serves as a suitable moment for voters to receive compensation. They tend to appreciate being paid, even in modest amounts.
Vote buying can only be eradicated if Nigerian voters fully comprehend their rights as voters and receive proper political education within a functioning democratic system.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).