#EkitiDecides2026 - Vote-Trading Is an Affront to Credible Democracy

20 June 2026
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Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (Abuja)

CJID's monitors have observed widespread vote trading in the ongoing #EkitiDecides2026. Of particular concern are incidents in Emure, Oye, Ikole, Emure, Ido/Osi, Ijero, Ekiti West and Ikere local government areas. In areas like Ikere LGA, party agents were observed offering incentives of up to #15,000 for every vote cast in their favour. In Ijero, voters are being offered up to #10,000. In other areas, such as Emure, voters are being offered numbered vouchers, which they use in exchange for money later, away from the polling unit.

The CJID strongly condemns this act.

Our observers have also noted other irregularities, such as party agents offering assistance to voters. This creates an air of familiarity that supports vote-buying in the long run.

According to the Electoral Act 2026, Section 22 cites that vote-trading-related offences now face a fine of not less than N5 million, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, and a 10-year ban from contesting elections in Nigeria. Also, section 54 of the Electoral Act, 2026, permits voting assistance only for voters with visual impairment or other disability/incapacitation, and requires that such assistance come from a person chosen by the voter, with INEC bound to provide suitable accredited support. A party agent inserting themselves into the voting process for a voter who has neither requested nor qualified for such help has no legal basis to do so. It compromises the secrecy and independence of the ballot that the law exists to protect and opens the door to coercion or manipulation of voter choice.

Outside the legal liabilities associated with vote trading, it is important to point out that the process of democracy and its instrumentality through credible elections is severely undermined when votes are put up for sale. This undermines the sanctity of our elections and their electoral mandates, reducing the voice of the people to one that is being induced by finance.

CJID calls on INEC and security agencies to investigate these acts and sanction culpable agents in line with the Law.

Read the original article on CJID.

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