VOTE BUYING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA-STUDY OF IMO STATE AND RIVERS STATE

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VOTE BUYING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA-STUDY OF IMO STATE AND RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACT

Vote buying has emerged as a prevalent phenomenon in Nigerian elections, posing significant challenges to the democratic process. This study focuses on the implications of vote buying on democracy, with a specific investigation into the states of Imo and Rivers. The research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics, drivers, and consequences of vote buying, shedding light on its impact on the electoral system and democratic governance in Nigeria.

Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines qualitative interviews, surveys, and analysis of electoral data to explore the extent to which vote buying influences voter behavior, electoral outcomes, and the overall health of democracy. The research will also investigate the socio-economic and political factors contributing to the prevalence of vote buying in Imo and Rivers states.

The implications of vote buying on the democratic process will be examined through the lenses of electoral integrity, representation, and citizen trust. By focusing on specific case studies within Imo and Rivers states, the study aims to provide context-specific insights into the challenges posed by vote buying and offer nuanced recommendations for mitigating its negative effects on the democratic landscape in Nigeria. The findings of this research will contribute to the academic discourse on electoral practices in Nigeria and inform policymakers, civil society, and electoral stakeholders on strategies to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Nigeria, as a prominent democracy in Africa, has witnessed a growing concern in recent years—vote buying. This practice, characterized by the exchange of monetary or material inducements for votes, poses a significant threat to the foundational principles of democratic governance. The integrity of elections, the representation of the people, and the overall health of the democratic process are all potentially compromised by the prevalence of vote buying. This research focuses on understanding the implications of vote buying on democracy in Nigeria, with a specific investigation into the states of Imo and Rivers.

The research examines the impact of vote buying on democratic elections in Nigeria, with specific focus on the 2018 governorship election inImo and Rivers State. Nigeria’s style of democracy can be linked to that of America which advocates that the absolute and supreme power remains with the people (Noah, 2006). This style of democracy in which Nigeria adopts is largely hinged on the premise that the will of the majority is done and the voice of the minority is heard. For democracy to thrive as a political system the basic features of democracy must be implemented which include periodic elections; the provision of fundamental human rights; multiply party system with candidates to choice from, amongst others (Noah, 2004). Periodic election, a feature of democracy can be said to be an indispensable characteristic of any democratic transition and the hallmark of representative democracy (Inokoba and Kumokor, 2011). This is because, it is during elections that the voices of the people are well heard and it is also recorded as an event with the highest rate of political participation by the people. Today elections are seen as the most acceptable medium by which citizens choose their leaders in an orderly, serene and peaceful exercise (Momoh, 2005). Elections could be regarded as a coin with two sides; On one side, elections give citizen’s an avenue to indicate their choice amongst candidates, manifestoes, policies, ideas and programmes presented to them by individuals vying for leadership positions while on the other side, it is also an instruments for removing unpopular and ineffective leaders as well as forcing elected officials to hearken to the plight of the people (David, Manu, and Musa, 2014). This is because the electorates hold the power to renew or cancel the tenure of every elected official. These functions of election are made possible because of the provision of the electoral process; which spells out the method to be used in selecting individuals for political offices (Nnamani, 2014).

The electoral process can be said to be the sum total of the entire operation in relations to carrying out an election from as little as performing of voter education to as great as dissolving of the National Assembly (Elekwa, 2008). It is also said to be the pre and post-election duties including guidelines put in place by the electoral officials in order for the election to run smoothly as well as for the electorates to choose representative towards catering for their interest because without such activities the election is more or less void. Activities of the electoral process include registering political parties, registering and reviewing of voters’ records, scheduling times for electoral campaigns, electoral disputes resolution, swearing elected representatives to mention a few (Nnamani, 2014). One of the activities as part of the electoral process is campaigning where candidates race to captivate the heart of the electorate with the hope of becoming the electorate’s choice. A democratic campaign is supposed to be peaceful and serene interaction. On one hand the candidates are involved in various discourse of persuasion as they vie for the most support from the electorates by presenting arguments as to why they deserve the votes of the people and on the other hand the electorates sieve through the arguments which are to become policies and select the candidate whose policy positions best or closely depicts their own set of believes, expectations or preferences (Bratton, 2008). In that vein, any action that violates the electoral process can be classified as electoral fraud or malpractice and is considered an impediment to free and fair elections. Thus, any government produced from such a marred electoral process can be termed un-democratic. In the case of Nigeria, elections is seen as winner takes all scenario, requiring a fight to the death attitude and with such high stakes in play, there is no limit a politician would not go in order to secure votes be it fair or foul (Fafchamps and Vicente, 2013). That is why a lot of elections in Nigeria are marred with diverse methods of electoral malpractices such as electoral rigging, electoral violence include vote buying (Adamu et. al., 2016).

Vote buying is the direct exchange of benefit and material goods by the political elites to propel electoral support (Carreras and Irepoglu, 2013). It also includes buying of the voting shares or payments made to voters to influence them to vote for a specific candidate (Nichter, 2014). Election outcome in which vote buying is involved is slowly becoming normal way in which politics is played in growing democracies like Nigeria, having been transitioned from the military to the civilian era (Ovwasa, 2013). This is because the civilian administration aims to present an appearance of free and fair election, implement universal adult suffrage and following the electoral processes and Nigerian politicians make use of such desires through campaigning to manipulate the electoral rules by inducing material benefit to the electorate so as to acquire mass support (Bratton, 2008).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The persistence of vote buying in Nigerian elections raises critical questions about the fairness, transparency, and credibility of the electoral process. Imo and Rivers states, known for their diverse political landscapes and significant electoral influence, serve as relevant case studies to examine the extent to which vote buying influences electoral outcomes and shapes the democratic experience. This study seeks to address the urgent need for an in-depth exploration of the causes, manifestations, and consequences of vote buying in these specific regions.

Election is a medium for the voice of the people to be heard. This has been norm as far back as the Greek city state where ‘show of hands” in support of a decision to be taken was carried out. Today elections have become a significant pillar of democracy and a means of legitimizing the decisions of government (David, Manu and Musa, 2014). In that vein, anything that is an impediment to elections, infringes on the ability of citizens to have their voice heard which affects an essential pillar of democracy (Adamu, Ocheni and Ibrahim, 2016). Nigeria the giant of Africa whose democracy and elections are closely watched by the international community; as a testimony of the growth of democracy and the possibility free and fair elections in the region, is still challenged with vote buying in its elections (Baidoo, Dankwa and Eshun, 2018). The presence of vote buying in Nigeria’s elections especially that of 2018Imo and Rivers and osun state gubernatorial election as noised by INEC has raised some critical questions about the credibility of such election and her democracy (Akinkuotu, 2018). These questions include how free or fair can elections be when some candidates have bought the votes of the electorate even before the election? How can the principle of equality exist when vote buying gives more advantages to the wealthy over the poor? How responsible will the elected leaders be to the electorate when vote buying as an electoral transaction implies that the politicians have paid for the vote of the electorate? (Neeman and Orosel, 2008; Jensen and Justesen 2014; Adamu, et. al., 2016). The presence of vote buying in Nigeria’s elections in addition to the questions raised, gives room for concern about 2018 governorship election inImo and Rivers state and the future of elections Nigeria. This research therefore, seeks to ascertain the presence of vote buying in the 2018 Governorship election inImo and Rivers state, how truth are the question raised against vote buying inImo and Rivers state and what are the implications of vote buying to Nigeria’s future elections and democracy focusing onImo and Rivers State .

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The overarching objective of this research is to comprehensively investigate vote buying and its implications on democracy in Nigeria, with a focus on Imo and Rivers states. Specific objectives include:

To analyze the patterns and prevalence of vote buying in electoral processes within Imo and Rivers states.

To identify the socio-economic and political factors contributing to the occurrence of vote buying in the selected states.

To assess the impact of vote buying on the legitimacy and representation of elected officials in Nigeria.

To explore the perceptions and experiences of voters regarding vote buying in the context of Imo and Rivers states.

To recommend strategies and interventions for mitigating the negative effects of vote buying on the democratic process in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

What are the prevalent patterns and occurrences of vote buying in electoral processes within Imo and Rivers states?

What socio-economic and political factors contribute to the prevalence of vote buying in the selected states?

How does vote buying impact the legitimacy and representation of elected officials in Nigeria?

What are the perceptions and experiences of voters regarding vote buying in the context of Imo and Rivers states?

What strategies and interventions can be recommended to mitigate the negative effects of vote buying on the democratic process in Nigeria?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study holds significant implications for various stakeholders, including policymakers, electoral management bodies, civil society organizations, and scholars. By investigating the dynamics of vote buying and its consequences on democracy in Imo and Rivers states, the research aims to provide evidence-based insights that can inform electoral reforms, enhance civic education, and contribute to the preservation of democratic values in Nigeria.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses specifically on vote buying and its implications on democracy in Imo and Rivers states, narrowing its scope to these two regions to allow for an in-depth examination. The research will utilize a mixed-methods approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data from various sources, including interviews, surveys, and electoral data.

1.7 Organization of the Study

The remainder of this research is structured into distinct chapters to provide a logical progression of the study. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature on vote buying, its historical context, and its impact on democratic processes. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including data collection techniques and analytical tools. Chapter Four presents the analysis of the collected data, while Chapter Five offers discussions, conclusions, and recommendations based on the study’s findings.

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