Ekiti poll: Decriminalise vote-buying if authorities can’t stop it, says Aisha Yesufu

Prominent activist Aisha Yesufu has sparked debate over the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that vote-buying should be decriminalised if authorities are unable or unwilling to stop the practice.

Yesufu made the remark on Saturday amid allegations of widespread voter inducement during the ongoing Ekiti State governorship election.

Reacting to reports of vote trading in parts of the state, the activist criticised what she described as the failure of relevant institutions to enforce electoral laws, insisting that candidates who abide by the rules are often placed at a disadvantage.

“At this rate vote buying should be decriminalized in Nigeria,” she wrote in a post on X.

According to her, the continued prevalence of vote buying despite existing laws has created a situation where politicians who refuse to induce voters are effectively punished, while those accused of engaging in the practice continue to benefit politically.

She argued that if the trend persists unchecked, political campaigns and policy debates could become meaningless, as elections would simply be reduced to financial contests on polling day.

“Instead of candidates wasting money on campaign let everyone wait for Election Day and bargain. The highest bidder wins and you save your money!” she stated.

Yesufu’s comments came against the backdrop of several allegations of vote buying that have emerged from different parts of Ekiti State during the governorship election. Some political actors and observers have alleged that voters were offered cash in exchange for support, although the claims have not been independently verified.

The activist also criticised the apparent lack of enforcement against electoral offences, questioning the effectiveness of efforts to curb voter inducement during elections.

She maintained that the persistent reports of vote trading threaten the credibility of democratic elections and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

“This nonsense needs to stop!” she added.

Vote buying remains an electoral offence under Nigerian law, with anti-graft and law enforcement agencies often deployed during elections to monitor and prevent such practices. However, allegations of voter inducement have continued to surface in several elections across the country.