LAGOS, Nigeria
Vote-buying during recent governorship elections in two Nigerian states has raised concerns about the credibility of the 2027 general elections, with voters reportedly receiving up to 50,000 naira ($35) in exchange for their votes, an election observation group said Wednesday.
The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Election Observation Hub said vote trading was widespread during the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State and the Aug. 15 poll in Osun State.
Bolade Eyinla, chief technical adviser to former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Mahmood Yakubu, presented the group’s findings in Abuja. He said vote-buying had become increasingly organized, threatening voters’ freedom of choice and the integrity of elections.
According to the report, 77% of 84 verified incidents recorded in Ekiti involved vote trading, while party agents were identified as key actors in at least 90% of the cases. In Osun, the group also documented widespread vote trading, with payments reportedly ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 naira ($7.50 to $38).
EU expressed concern that no arrests, investigations or prosecutions had been reported in connection with the documented incidents, warning that the apparent lack of accountability could encourage additional electoral offences.
The findings come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, increasing pressure on electoral authorities, security agencies and political parties to address vote-buying and strengthen safeguards for credible polls.
The observation hub urged stronger enforcement of electoral laws and greater transparency in results management, including the publication of election results at the ward level. It also urged relevant authorities to ensure that those involved in vote-buying were investigated and prosecuted.
The group, which comprises Nigerian civil society organizations, deployed more than 1,400 citizen observers in the two states during the elections.
It also commended the INEC for aspects of election administration, including timely commencement of voting and the close alignment between official results and independent assessments.
The report said lessons from the two state elections should inform preparations for the general elections to protect ballot secrecy, strengthen accountability and preserve voters’ freedom to choose their leaders.
