A pro-democracy movement, Social Mobilisation Project (SMP), on Tuesday tasked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with developing a strategic collaborative framework to put an end to vote-buying in the country.
The group, which made this call in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a press briefing, noted that incidences of vote-buying by political parties are capable of destroying the country’s democracy.
It maintained that vote-buying obstructs the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria, causes instability and political violence, and weakens the national economy.
The group lamented that the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections has remained elusive and problematic in the country since its independence in 1960.
Speaking at the event, the convener, Comrade (Prof.) Akin Fashoranbaku, called on civil society groups to advocate for and apply pressure on the police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest, investigate, and diligently prosecute those involved in vote-trading.
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Fashoranbaku reiterated that the conduct of free, fair, and credible elections has remained elusive since Nigeria’s independence, noting that vote-buying has not abated but has instead worsened over the years.
He listed various forms of vote-buying, including the distribution of food items, offering of employment before elections, giving out gifts, making conditional promises to individuals, and granting political appointments.
According to him, “Vote-buying obstructs the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria due to the ultra-privatization of the electoral process by moneybags, leading to political instability, recurring electoral violence, and a weakened national economy.”
He further stated, “Vote-buying promotes elitist politics and weakens popular participation. Only individuals with financial resources gain access to political offices in Nigeria. Communities with grassroots solidarities rarely have access to political power because they cannot actively participate in the monetized political system.”
“Political parties that engage in vote-buying monopolize power, excluding financially weaker parties and becoming new autocrats in the political process.”
He lamented that “The act of vote-buying has not diminished but has instead worsened over the years. The political class and moneybags in Nigeria have hijacked the electoral process, imposing candidates with questionable character through unlawful means.”
“The primary goal of vote-buying is to ensure electoral victory at all costs. A vote is literally ‘bought’ or ‘sold,’ depending on whether one views it from the perspective of the candidate or the voter. Vote-buying is an auction where the voter sells their vote to the highest bidder.”
“As far back as the 1950s, vote-buying and rigging have been identified as major features of elections in Nigeria.
“The tragic outcome is that political parties today do not articulate any concrete programs during campaigns on how to address the country’s challenges.”
“Instead, political parties spend billions of naira, not just on campaigns but on outright bribery and vote-buying.”
However, he asserted that vote-buying can be prevented or eradicated in Nigeria through the use of technology, such as CCTV monitoring of elections, electronic voting, and poverty reduction initiatives.
He stated, “Governments should make poverty reduction a priority by enhancing wealth creation and redistribution. This can be achieved by providing sustainable jobs, especially for people in rural areas.”
“There is a need for more voter education, sensitization campaigns, and awareness creation to educate citizens about the malpractice of vote-buying.”
“Voters, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), the media, and other non-state actors should engage the state and political parties to strengthen democracy by mounting vigorous campaigns.”
“These campaigns should educate the electorate on the dangers of accepting financial or material inducements before voting, as this amounts to selling their conscience and rights.”
“Voter education and enlightenment campaigns should be intensified to highlight the negative implications of vote-trading, particularly how it raises election costs, promotes political corruption, and undermines good governance.”
“The Electoral Act should be amended to empower citizens to effectively use social media to expose electoral fraud, including vote-buying, and to prohibit voters or any person from photographing ballot papers.”
“INEC and the EFCC should develop a strategic collaborative framework to effectively monitor political parties’ campaign funds in order to curb electoral fraud, including vote-buying.”
“Civil society groups should advocate for and apply pressure on the police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest, investigate, and diligently prosecute those involved in vote-trading.
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