Vote buying – an instrument to socio-political instability in Nigeria

Description

Vote buying – an instrument to socio-political instability in Nigeria.

Abstract

This work access Vote-Buying: An instrument to socio-political instability in Nigeria using Kogi State 2015-2018 elections as the case study. The major objective of this project is to examine the reason for vote buying and to examine the implication of the monetization of elections in Nigeria. The methodology adopted in gathering data was descriptive method, both the primary and secondary methods. The major instrument used to gather data from primary sources is the questionnaire. From a population of 3, 278, 487, a sample size of 130 respondents was selected using simple random technique. Findings revealed that vote buying is affecting the socio-economic stability of the country negatively. Also, the instability of many political parties is one of the causes of vote buying. It was also discovered that it was self and focusing on personalities rather than on political issues is one of the reasons for vote buying in Nigeria.  In view of the findings, it was recommended that there is a need for political education of the electorate to be better in their electorate choices, and minimize the pressures put on their elected representatives for financial and material gain and prize for votes. Part officials should be trained on how to manage the electioneering process and campaigns in which candidates have a well and effective manifestoes. The government with the use of the mass media has a cardinal role to play in educating and enlightening voters to know their primary responsibilities in electing credible candidates.