Nigeria’s Vote-Buying Phenomenon

Vote-buying, or exchanging goods, services, or money in return for votes, is a prevalent and growing problem undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the 2023 general elections recorded a 22 per cent incidence of vote-buying, a five per cent increase from the 17  per cent recorded in the 2019 elections. This worrying trend has been heightened in several elections, including the recently concluded Edo governorship election, which was marred by allegations of vote-buying. In some instances, voters are offered between ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 in exchange for their votes.

The persistence of vote-buying is not limited to Nigeria. According to a 2022 report by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA), countries like Bulgaria, Indonesia, and the Philippines also struggle with this problem, with one-third of voters admitting to being offered money, food or favours in exchange for their votes. Similar trends were observed in the Dominican Republic and Sierra Leone, where a quarter of voters reported vote-buying attempts, and in Argentina, one-fifth of voters experienced the same. These statistics indicate a broader, systemic problem that undermines democratic processes across multiple countries, especially developing democracies.

Vote-buying has severe consequences for any country where it thrives, and Nigeria is no exception. One of the most significant costs is its ability to perpetuate corrupt politicians in power. By bribing voters, these politicians can circumvent the democratic process and maintain their grip on leadership, even if they are incompetent or lack the vision to improve the country. This practice prevents qualified individuals from taking office and stifles the development of innovative ideas and policies that could benefit the nation. When vote-buying compromises elections, the cycle of corruption and stagnation becomes self-perpetuating, hindering the country’s progress and leaving citizens disillusioned with the political system.

Furthermore, vote-buying can significantly weaken a country’s democratic institutions. In Nigeria, where democracy is already facing numerous challenges, the prevalence of vote-buying exacerbates these problems. It erodes public trust in the electoral process, discourages voter participation, and undermines the government’s legitimacy. The consequences of vote-buying extend beyond the political sphere and have a detrimental impact on various aspects of society. It can lead to economic instability, social unrest, and a decline in public services. When politicians are more concerned with securing their positions through bribery than serving the people’s interests, the country will inevitably suffer.

There are various reasons why vote-buying persists in Nigeria. Among these are poverty, social and cultural norms, and ignorance. Nigeria’s economic downturn in recent years has exacerbated this problem, with the poverty rate increasing substantially. In 2023, Nigeria’s poverty rate stood at 38.9 per cent, meaning that 87 million of the population live below the poverty line. This makes Nigeria the second poorest country in the world. In such an environment, the lure of vote-buying becomes powerful. Politicians exploit this economic vulnerability by offering cash or material incentives for votes. Various studies, including those conducted in Nigeria and other African nations, reveal a strong correlation between poverty and vote-selling. A Chatham House survey on vote-buying in Nigeria found that economically deprived individuals are particularly susceptible to selling their votes, a vulnerability politicians readily exploit to gain power.

Social and cultural norms also play a significant role in vote-buying persistence. In many parts of Nigeria, vote-buying has become an accepted part of the political landscape, driven by the widespread belief that corruption is pervasive and unavoidable. This fatalistic view, deeply embedded in societal and cultural norms, creates an environment where vote-buying is seen as just another facet of political life rather than a violation of democratic principles. The notion that “everyone is doing it” leads to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where citizens participate in corrupt practices because they believe it is inevitable. Over time, this has allowed vote-buying to become normalised, reinforcing a culture of political apathy and cynicism. Additionally, Nigeria’s discontent with democracy and a pervasive distrust of politicians fuel the acceptance of vote-buying. Many Nigerians, frustrated with the lack of meaningful political change, see no harm in selling their votes, perceiving it as a rare opportunity to gain something tangible from an otherwise corrupt and dysfunctional system.

Ignorance also contributes to the persistence of vote-buying. Low levels of education and political awareness leave many Nigerians vulnerable to the deceptive tactics of politicians who manipulate the electorate for personal gain. People with limited knowledge of the consequences of vote-buying may not fully understand how it undermines democracy and perpetuates bad governance. This ignorance creates a vicious cycle, as those who sell their votes remain trapped in poverty and marginalisation, unaware that their actions contribute to the very conditions that sustain their hardship. The lack of civic education and awareness among many Nigerians ensures that vote-buying continues to thrive, with the electorate often unaware of the long-term harm it causes to themselves and society.

The Nigeria Electoral Act 2022 lists vote buying as an electoral offence. The law states that a person who directly or indirectly gives money or gifts to influence a person’s vote or make a person refrain from voting commits an offence. It also states that if a voter receives money or such gift commits an offence. Individuals who give and receive money will be liable on conviction to 12 months imprisonment, ₦500,000, or both. Despite this law, vote-buying persists. This shows a lack of law enforcement, as well as a lack of education and ignorance about the dangers of this practice. This indicates that simply having laws in place is not enough without effective enforcement and public awareness.

To combat vote-buying, the government must take decisive steps. The effectiveness of any law depends on how strictly it is enforced. Therefore, the government must ensure that the provisions of the Electoral Act are enforced without exceptions. This could involve stricter punishment for anyone who engages or receives any gift, money, or other favour in the hope that such things will affect the electoral process. In addition, there should be robust policies that protect whistleblowers from retaliation, as this would encourage more people to report instances of vote-buying and contribute to its reduction.

Addressing the socioeconomic realities that drive vote-buying is equally crucial. As mentioned earlier, poverty is one of the main factors behind the persistence of vote-buying in Nigeria. The government must tackle the root causes by investing in education, particularly skills development, and creating policies that stimulate economic growth. Reducing poverty would diminish the need for citizens to sell their votes in exchange for short-term gains. Furthermore, the government must address other socioeconomic concerns, such as insecurity and lack of jobs. This will reduce the need for citizens to sell their votes. Public awareness campaigns are also essential. In the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with non-governmental organisations, the government (local, state and national) must raise awareness about the dangers of vote-buying. Civic education initiatives should be heightened to educate citizens about the laws prohibiting vote-buying and its negative impact on governance and national development.