Money politics, vote buying: Bane of electoral fraud, political incompetence in Nigeria

By Osata Osayogie Raphael

The aforementioned topic has turned Nigeria into a state of national FIASCO. This inimical electoral malpractice could be highly infinitesimal, compare to what Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was alleged to have precipitated in the just concluded gubernatorial election in September 21, 2024.

The political circumnavigation and hemisphere have been mapped with incessant vote buying and money politics. This has resulted to political algorithm dwindling from top-to-bottom, positive to negative, revenue to deficit.

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has faced significant challenges in its democratic process. Central to these challenges is the phenomenon of money politics and vote buying, which have become entrenched in the electoral landscape. This PSEUDO expository article explores the implications of these practices on electoral integrity,governance, and the overall democratic experience in Nigeria.

The roots of money politics in Nigeria can be traced back to the colonial era when patronage systems were established. After independence, these practices evolved, becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Over the decades, political parties and candidates have increasingly relied on financial inducements to secure votes,especially during elections.

Vote buying in Nigeria typically occurs during election periods, with politicians targeting vulnerable populations.

Candidates distribute cash directly to voters on election day. Beyond cash, candidates may provide food, clothing, and other goods to sway voters.

Some candidates offer transportation to polling stations or promise immediate financial rewards for voting a certain way. High levels of poverty make many voters susceptible to financial inducements.

Many voters are unaware of their rights and the importance of their votes, making them more likely to accept bribes.

Corruption within electoral bodies and law enforcement agencies allows vote buying to flourish with little risk of repercussions.

The implications of money politics and vote buying are profound. When votes are bought, the fundamental democratic principle of choice is compromised. Voters may prioritize short-term gains over long-term governance quality, leading to a cycle of poor leadership.

Vote buying contributes to broader electoral fraud,including ballot stuffing and manipulation of results. These practices distort the true will of the electorate, undermining the legitimacy of election outcomes.

Governance challenges include
politicians who win elections through vote buying may feel less accountable to their constituents.Their focus shifts from public service to recouping their investments, often resulting in corruption and inefficiency in governance.

Several recent elections in Nigeria exemplify the impact of money politics.

Efforts to combat money politics in Nigeria must be multi-faceted: Independent electoral commissions should be empowered to enforce laws against vote buying. This includes training personnel, enhancing surveillance, and implementing stringent penalties for offenders.

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in educating voters about the importance of their votes and the detrimental effects of accepting money for votes.Public awareness campaigns can empower voters to reject financial inducements.

Addressing the root causes of poverty can diminish the allure of vote buying. Economic programs aimed at improving the livelihoods of citizens can reduce vulnerability to financial inducements.

Legal frameworks surrounding campaign financing must be strengthened to limit the influence of money in politics.Transparency in campaign funding and spending can help mitigate corruption.

In conclusion, money politics and vote buying represent significant barriers to genuine democratic governance in Nigeria. The prevalence of these practices not only undermines electoral integrity but also perpetuates cycles of poverty and poor leadership. A concerted effort involving political will, institutional reform, and civic engagement is essential to combat these challenges and promote a more equitable and effective democratic process.

The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the ability to address these issues head-on, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are not drowned out by the influence of money.

Raphael, Media Strategist, A Communication Executive, A Political Media Influencer, And A Financial Enthusiast Firing From His Bedroom