Vote Buying: What It Is and Why You Should Refuse

Vote buying is one of the greatest threats to democracy in Nigeria. Understanding what it looks like and how to resist it protects your democratic power.

What Is Vote Buying?

Vote buying is when a person, party, or their agents offer you something of value — money, food, gifts, promises — in exchange for voting for a particular candidate. It is illegal under the Electoral Act 2022.

Common Forms of Vote Buying

Direct Cash

• Agents distribute cash at or near polling units (often N500 to N10,000).
• Sometimes you are asked to take a photo of your ballot as "proof" before receiving payment.

"Stomach Infrastructure"

• Distribution of food items (rice, beans, garri) before elections in exchange for loyalty.
• Free household items, wrappers, or other goods from candidates.

Indirect Inducement

• Promises of contracts, jobs, or government appointments.
• Community projects (boreholes, roads) offered specifically in exchange for votes.
• Cash-for-PVC schemes where agents buy or "hold" your PVC.

Why You Should Refuse

1. It's a trap — Once you accept money for your vote, the elected person owes nothing to you. They already "paid" you. The cost of governance is then stolen from public funds.
2. It's illegal — Both giving and receiving inducements to vote is a criminal offence. You could be prosecuted.
3. Your vote is secret — Even if someone pays you, they cannot verify how you actually voted. The secret ballot protects you.
4. It perpetuates bad governance — Politicians who buy votes have no incentive to perform well in office.

How to Resist

• Never surrender your PVC to any party or agent.
• If offered money, politely decline or take it and still vote your conscience — your ballot is secret.
• Report vote buying to INEC's Situation Room, election observers, or through this app.
• Encourage others in your community to resist inducement.

Legal Penalties

Under the Electoral Act 2022, vote buying carries:

• A fine of up to N500,000, or
• Imprisonment of up to 12 months, or
• Both.

This applies to both the giver and the receiver.

Your vote is your power. Don't sell it.