As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, concerns about the impact of money politics on democracy are rising. Former governor Achike Udenwa warns that financial resources can easily secure votes, highlighting serious issues such as bribery and inflated campaign costs. Despite some attempts at reform, the electoral process remains compromised, necessitating more substantial measures to ensure integrity and accountability in elections.
In the anticipation of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, significant political discussions are underway as President Bola Tinubu seeks re-election amidst rising opposition. However, the prioritization of democracy appears secondary to the quest for power, with electoral reform not gaining sufficient attention from politicians.
Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa recently voiced concerns over money politics undermining the electoral integrity, indicating that substantial financial resources can effectively secure electoral victories. He stated that voters are inclined to overlook candidates’ qualifications in favor of monetary incentives, highlighting the troubling norm of purchasing votes.
Udenwa’s extensive experience in politics has revealed alarming practices such as voters being bribed before elections. Strategies like ‘see and buy’ compromise electoral fairness by allowing cash payments in exchange for votes after mandatory identification. Such tactics only perpetuate inefficiencies in leadership.
The judicial system is implicated as well, with some legal professionals involved in electoral controversies failing to uphold their responsibilities. INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu has drawn attention to the bribery of delegates during party primaries, which often includes foreign currency payments.
Additionally, the cost of nomination forms for political aspirants has risen dramatically since 1999, complicating participation in the electoral process. Between 2015 and 2023, the price of presidential nomination forms in major parties spiked by 300%. Although the Electoral Act 2022 outlines spending caps for candidates, these regulations are often disregarded, making the financial realities starkly different.
While prosecutions of corrupt election officials signal progress, they remain minimal compared to the prevalent malpractices. A Commonwealth Observer Group report emphasized that despite some electoral reforms, many longstanding issues persist.
To combat money politics effectively, Nigerian political parties could adopt funding models similar to those in the United States, which limit contributions and rely on membership dues. The establishment of an electoral offences commission is crucial, as is sustained advocacy from civil society organizations to promote electoral reforms.
The pervasive role of money in Nigeria’s democracy severely undermines the electoral process and the integrity of governance. As the 2027 elections approach, an emphasis on reforming electoral financing and holding accountable those who engage in corrupt practices has become critically urgent. Achieving a more robust democratic culture will require concerted efforts from both political actors and civil society to eliminate the influence of money in politics.
Original Source: punchng.com
