Recent election cycles have raised concerns about vote buying, which has also dominated discussions about Nigeria’s democratic process. Despite measures taken by institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, designed to address the menace, the practice continues to undermine the electoral process.

Vote buying is the exchange of votes for money or other incentives to voters in exchange for their support during an election. It is a kind of electoral malpractice that undermines the integrity of the democratic process by influencing the choices of voters.

In some cases, voters are given cash directly during or after elections; in other cases, politicians give out food items, developmental materials in return for votes.

Under Nigerian Electoral Laws, vote buying is flagged illegal, and has continued to be one of the key issues the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is battling with.

Vote buying is driven by many factors, but the key reason that is the foundation of why vote buying persists is because politician want to win. Study reveals that politicians sell their lands and properties while contesting in elections, so they must, in return, go all the way to win.

Another factor that has helped vote buying thrive is the manner in which it weaponizes poverty. Poor citizens who are struggling to survive see the opportunity to get stipends from vote buyers on election. Thus, poverty has made voting become less about long-term governance and more about short-term survival.

Distrust in the electoral process and government, is another reason citizens sell their votes. The obvious failure of successive political leadership have ruined the belief citizens once had in democratic governance, and since they do not expect excellent performance, voters feel justified to monetize their votes, reasoning that it may be the only thing they ever get from the government.

Another reason that has contributed immensely to electoral malpractice is the weak enforcement of electoral laws. Although INEC has regulations that have been put in place to curb the act, strict implementation and proper monitoring have remained inconsistent, creating a system that allows politicians to be less accountable.

The competition for power is also a reason why vote buying continues to happen. This often pushes politicians to adopt any strategy that works for them to increase their chances of winning. In this case, many politicians go the extra mile to get into office.

Generally, vote buying persists because of simple principles of demand and supply. Voters who accept incentives during elections and politicians who are ready to offer their wealth only in times of elections.

The consequences of vote buying undermine the integrity of democracy, as it tampers with the very foundation on which the government was built, which is the free and fair choices of the people.

Aside from weakening accountability in governance, vote buying is one of the bedrocks of corruption. Candidates spend huge sums of money on elections with the mindset of siphoning government funds once they are elected to office, as a means of recovering the funds they have spent.

Vote buying also weakens political equality. In a truly democratic system, every election process should be free and fair, and aspiration to political office accessible to all, including poor people. However, when financial inducements determine outcomes, wealthier politicians gain an unfair advantage over others.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), about 22% of voters in the 2023 general elections were offered money in exchange for their votes, compared to 17% in 2019. In addition, about 9% of voters were promised other benefits, such as jobs or favours.
In addressing vote buying, efforts from the government and citizens are required. Many people have not fully understood the long-term consequences of selling their votes. Continuous awareness campaigns are required to help voters see voting as a responsibility and not a form of transaction.

Another key solution that may help in curbing this practice is the strict enforcement of electoral laws. Punishment for the orchestrators of these practices is not always consistent, as vote buying is consistent. INEC needs greater will, and more support from law enforcement agencies to ensure that offenders do not go unpunished.

Addressing economic instability can also help. When the economy is stable, citizens are less likely to sell their votes in exchange for stipends.

Finally, political parties and candidates must be held to higher standards. Internal discipline within parties can discourage the use of vote buying as a campaign tool.

In the end, democracy can only thrive when votes are based on the choices of the people and not cash.