As Nigeria prepares for another round of elections, many citizens are hoping for a free, fair, and credible electoral process. However, one issue that continues to threaten democracy is vote buying and vote selling.
Recently, on 20 June, 2026 Ekiti State held its governorship election. During the election, it was reported that a 68-year-old man, Ade, clutched a bag of rice and a few thousand naira after casting his vote. For him, the gifts meant food for his family for a few days. For democracy, however, it represented the growing problem of vote buying, where poverty is exploited in exchange for political support.
For instance, election observers alleged that some voters received cash, gifts, and food items in exchange for political support during the Ekiti governorship election. Although many accepted the gifts because of economic hardship, the practice raised concerns about the fairness and credibility of the election.
Furthermore, vote buying has serious effects on elections and democracy. When people sell their votes for money, food, or gifts, they may not choose the best candidate. As a result, this can lead to poor leadership and bad governance. In addition, many election observers and civil society groups have condemned the practice, saying it is unfair and against democratic values. They believe elections should be based on the free choice of voters, not on gifts or cash.
Therefore, reducing vote buying and vote selling requires the efforts of everyone. Voters should refuse money, food, or gifts in exchange for their votes and choose candidates based on their ability to lead. Likewise, the police and other security agencies should arrest and prosecute anyone caught buying or selling votes. At the same time, the government should reduce poverty by creating jobs and improving people’s living conditions so that voters are less likely to be influenced by cash or gifts. Finally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should strengthen election monitoring, educate voters on the dangers of vote buying, and work closely with security agencies to ensure free and fair elections. When all these groups play their part, elections will become more transparent and credible.