Vote Buying Mortgages Our Future, SIDEC cautions electorate

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has raised concern over the growing trend of vote buying in Nigeria’s elections, calling on voters in Anambra State to reject financial inducements as the November 8, 2025 governorship election approaches.

In a press statement signed by its Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, SIDEC described the increasing monetization of elections as a grave threat to democracy and good governance.

Ehiahuruike noted that despite repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns, incidents of vote buying continue to mar elections across the country, including the recent by-elections held in parts of Anambra State.

“There were disturbing evidences of widespread financial inducement at polling units. Voters were openly approached with envelopes of cash, food items, and promises of future favors,” the statement said.

SIDEC lamented that such practices not only compromise the credibility of elections but also discourage credible candidates from participating, knowing they cannot compete financially with “moneybags.”

According to the organization, vote buying has become the tool of desperate politicians lacking competence, vision, and integrity — individuals who see public office as an investment to be recouped rather than a platform for service.

“When unqualified individuals purchase votes to win elections, governance becomes transactional instead of transformational,” the statement added.

SIDEC also linked the growing culture of vote buying to the high cost of elections in Nigeria, arguing that vast sums are spent on securing votes instead of developing people-centered policies.

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting credible elections through Project IMPACT, the organization urged citizens to view the ballot as their most powerful weapon for change. “Elections are not opportunities to collect money; they are opportunities to determine the quality of our future,” the group emphasized.

The statement further called on civil society organizations, faith-based groups, community leaders, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns to curb the menace of vote buying and voter apathy. “Every time citizens sell their votes, they surrender their voice and right to demand accountability, as well as the opportunity for good governance.

“Vote buying is not only an attack on democracy but also an attack on the collective dignity of our people. Politicians who buy votes do not trust the people’s judgment, and citizens who sell their votes are giving away the power that should be used to build a better society.

The statement calls for a change our mindset calling especially on eligible residents of Anambra State to see the ballot as their most powerful weapon for change. “Elections are not opportunities to collect money; they are opportunities to determine the quality of our future.

“We call on civil society organizations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns across the state to curb the growing menace of vote buying and voter apathy.

“SIDEC stands committed through Project IMPACT to continuous engagement with communities, especially young and first-time voters, in fostering integrity and transparency in elections,” it assured.