Eben Enasco

Since Nigeria returned to democratic system after the Military dominance more than two decades ago, it has been marred with a fraudulent ending.

Every tenure ends with the interest to remain in office for the constitutionally stipulated years in office after serving a tenure.

With voters always ready to push for their valid leaders to win on common ground, pockets of politicians have remained resolute to have the process twisted to either favour them or their cronies.

The electoral umpire, the Security Agents, and the Judiciary play critical roles in the actualization of all twisted votes.

Voters are not also left out of the list, because they have become subjected to anti election procedures including fierce economic hardship occasioned by leprotic governance.

Vote buying has become a pervasive issue in Nigeria’s electoral process long seeking a cure but to no avail.

From the presidency to the Local government authorities, the guilt is the same where funds are stolen and starched in various hide out financial institutions for the purpose.

This practice, where politicians offer money or other incentives to voters in exchange for their votes, undermines the integrity of democracy and erodes trust in the system.

However, to end this scourge of votes buying during election, it may become appropriate for the people in government to legalize vote buying in Nigeria.

The need to legalize vote buying seems to be the only alternative left to curb the electoral excesses.

When the electorate becomes aware of how much the runners would pay to cast their votes, it may perhaps help minimize criminality pre and post elections.

If any electorate is sure he would be paid to vote for any of the interested candidates of the political parties vying for a seat, they may price themselves to fortune that may help secure their cost of living for the next four years when a fresh election would be conducted.

At least, there should be a price tag

Nigerians and Politicians will no longer waste their resources waiting for campaigns but save for those they will be paying to help win the vote counts.

The Right Prize will also help save the country from a further waste of tax payers money for litigations in court.

Although, vote buying is also referred to as electoral clientelism and patronage politics is illegal,
in many countries such as the United States, Argentina, Mexico, Kenya, Brazil and Nigeria, its prevalence remains worldwide.

In some parts of the United States in the mid- and late 19th century, members of competing parties would vie, sometimes openly and other times with much greater secrecy, to buy and sell votes.

Voters would be compensated with cash or the covering of one’s house/tax payment. To keep the practice of vote buying secret, parties would open fully staffed vote-buying shops.

Parties would also hire runners, who would go out into the public and find floating voters and bargain with them to vote for their side.

Scholars argued that it is people of lower income status who are the best group to target, as they are the most likely to be receptive to monetary or other forms of compensation.

Since the poor may not have enough money to purchase basic items, it would generally take only a small payment to buy their votes.

The wealthy, who have sufficient means to address significant problems in their lives, would be less willing to sell a vote unless a higher price was offered for it.

Evidence from Nigeria supports this view.

In England, documentation and stories of vote buying and vote selling are also well known.

The most famous episodes of vote buying came in 18th century England when two or more rich aristocrats spent whatever money it took to win.

The “Spendthrift election” came in Northamptonshire in 1768, when three earls each spent over £100,000 on their favoured candidates, according to research.

The huge impact on Democracy, Vote buying compromises the fundamental principle of one person, one vote, and can lead to the election of leaders who do not have the genuine support of the people.

This can result in poor governance, corruption, and a lack of accountability.

Despite these notable factors, it will be recommended still, to legalize vote buying hence it is now not comfortable to address the issue of vote buying. Those who would have addressed it are the actual perpetrators.

The 2027 election presents an opportunity for Nigerians to demand change and insist on legalizing vote buying during electoral process.

By working together, citizens, civil society, and the government can help to build a more robust democracy that truly reflects the will of the people.