Ekiti Poll: Don’t Criminalise Vote-Buying If Authorities Can’t Stop It — Aisha Yesufu
By Peace Erewunmi
Human rights activist, Aisha Yesufu, has sparked fresh debate over Nigeria’s electoral process after arguing that vote-buying should not be criminalised if authorities are unable to effectively stop the practice.
Yesufu made the comment while reacting to concerns over alleged vote-buying in the ongoing Ekiti governorship election, warning that laws alone are not enough if enforcement remains weak.
According to her, the persistence of vote-buying reflects deeper failures within the electoral system and law enforcement agencies, rather than just the behaviour of voters and political actors.
She stressed that until institutions are strong enough to prevent electoral malpractice, criminalising vote-buying without enforcement capacity may not address the root problem.
The activist’s remarks have generated mixed reactions across political and civic spaces, with some agreeing that enforcement is the real challenge, while others argue that vote-buying must remain a punishable offence to deter electoral corruption.
Nigeria has long struggled with vote-buying allegations during elections, particularly in high-stakes contests where political parties and candidates are accused of influencing voters with cash or material incentives.
As of the time of filing this report, the debate continues as stakeholders call for stronger electoral reforms, improved security at polling units, and stricter enforcement of existing electoral laws.
