Vote Buying and the Integrity of 2019 and 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Abstract

Vote buying is a persistent challenge that has undermined the integrity of elections in Nigeria. It is a practice where political actors offer material inducements, such as cash, food, or other gifts, in exchange for votes. This practice subverts the principles of free and fair elections by distorting the electorate's will and compromising the democratic process. This study examines the impact of vote buying on the Integrity of 2019 and 2023 in Nigerian General Elections. The study utilized the Principal-Agent Theory as the theoretical framework and secondary data were sourced from textbooks, journal articles, newspaper, government reports. The collected data were analyzed with content analysis and the findings revealed that the widespread vote buying in 2019 and 2023 distorted and compromised the election integrity. It was also revealed that the persistent vote buying in the 2019 and 2023 general elections has contributed to low voter turnout and further erosion of public trust in the electoral process. The study concluded that the widespread prevalence of vote buying has distorted the electoral process, eroded public trust, concentrated political power, and perpetuated the status quo, with long-term implications for democratic consolidation. The study therefore made the following recommendations: (1) enacting robust legislation that clearly defines and prohibits vote buying, with stringent penalties for offenders, (2) adopting biometric voter registration and identification systems to enhance the integrity of the voter roll and reduce the potential for vote buying, and (3) implementing comprehensive civic and voter education programs to raise awareness among citizens about the negative impacts of vote buying on the democratic process.