The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), a civil society organisation focused on governance, civic participation, human rights, and social development, has called on eligible citizens to shun vote buying and resist attempts by desperate politicians to manipulate the electoral process for selfish gains.
In a statement yesterday, its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, described vote buying as “an attack on democracy and the collective dignity of the people.”
Ehiahuruike urged civil society organisations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns across the state to curb the menace and reduce voter apathy.
She reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to continuous engagement with communities—particularly young and first-time voters—to promote integrity, transparency, and accountability in elections.
The statement read in part: “It is deeply concerning that cases of vote buying have continued to characterise elections across the country, including the recent by-election conducted in parts of Anambra State.
There was disturbing evidence of widespread financial inducement at polling units. Voters were openly approached with envelopes of cash, food items, and promises of future favours.
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These practices not only undermine the credibility of the electoral process but also discourage honest and competent candidates from contesting, knowing they cannot compete with moneybags.
This development is a dangerous trend that cheapens democracy and mortgages the people’s future for temporary gain.”
Ehiahuruike further stated that vote buying has become a tool for desperate politicians—many of whom lack the competence, vision, and integrity required for public office—to buy their way into power.
“When unqualified individuals purchase votes to win elections, governance becomes transactional rather than transformational. Such leaders view public office as an investment to be recouped rather than a platform for service,” she said.
According to her, the monetisation of elections contributes significantly to the unusually high cost of conducting elections in Nigeria, as politicians and political parties pour vast sums into securing votes instead of developing sound policies that address citizens’ needs.
“When elections are dominated by money rather than merit, the outcome is poor governance, unfulfilled promises, and the continuous recycling of mediocrity,” she added.
The SIDEC boss emphasised that vote buying directly undermines citizens’ power to demand accountability and quality leadership.
“In line with the goal of Project IMPACT, it is important to stress that every time citizens sell their votes, they surrender their voice, their right to demand accountability, and the opportunity for good governance.
Vote buying is not only an attack on democracy but also an attack on the collective dignity of our people. Politicians who buy votes do not trust the people’s judgment, and citizens who sell their votes are giving away the power that should be used to build a better society.
We must change our mindset and understand that the ballot is our most powerful weapon for change. Elections are not opportunities to collect money; they are opportunities to determine the quality of our future,” the statement concluded.
