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Activist and political commentator Aisha Yesufu has criticized allegations of widespread vote-buying during the recent governorship election in Ekiti State, expressing concern over what she described as the growing normalization of electoral inducement in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Yesufu’s reaction followed reports suggesting that some voters openly admitted receiving money from political parties in exchange for casting their votes during the election. The allegations have reignited debates about the integrity of elections in Nigeria and the effectiveness of measures designed to curb electoral malpractice.
Taking to her social media platforms, the outspoken activist questioned the value of political campaigns if candidates can allegedly secure victory through financial inducements on election day. Her comments, laced with sarcasm, reflected frustration over what she believes is a persistent challenge undermining the credibility of elections across the country.
According to reports by Sahara Reporters, several voters claimed they were offered cash by political parties during the election. Some respondents reportedly alleged that they received N10,000 from the All Progressives Congress (APC), while others said they were given N2,000 by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Reacting to the claims, Yesufu argued that politicians who attempt to comply with electoral laws often find themselves at a disadvantage, while those accused of engaging in vote-buying continue to emerge successful at the polls.
“At this rate vote buying should be decriminalized in Nigeria. It does not make sense since it is those who are law abiding that gets punished for it! They do not do the vote buying and they are schemed out while others buy votes and waltz their way into office,” she wrote.
The activist’s comments highlighted concerns that repeated allegations of electoral inducement, if left unchecked, could discourage candidates from adhering to democratic principles and campaign regulations.
Yesufu also directed criticism at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), an agency that has often pledged to combat financial crimes associated with elections. She accused the anti-graft body of failing to effectively address the issue of vote-buying during elections.
According to her, the agency’s “eagle is blindfolded during election.”
Her remarks appeared to question the effectiveness of existing enforcement mechanisms and the willingness of relevant institutions to confront electoral corruption decisively.
Continuing her criticism, Yesufu suggested that campaign activities could become meaningless if financial inducements remain a determining factor in election outcomes. In a statement that many interpreted as a satirical commentary on the state of Nigeria’s electoral system, she wrote:
“Instead of candidates wasting money on campaign let everyone wait for Election Day and bargain. The highest bidder wins and you save your money! This nonsense needs to stop!”
The comments quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread discussion among Nigerians. Many users echoed concerns about the recurring allegations of vote-buying in elections despite repeated warnings from electoral authorities, civil society organizations, and anti-corruption agencies.
Observers have long argued that vote-buying poses a serious threat to democratic governance by allowing financial influence to overshadow policy debates, candidate competence, and voter choice. Critics contend that the practice weakens public confidence in elections and contributes to poor accountability among elected officials.
The latest allegations have renewed calls for stronger enforcement of electoral laws, increased voter education, and stricter monitoring of election-day activities to deter individuals and political groups from engaging in illicit practices.
As of the time this report was filed, neither the All Progressives Congress (APC) nor the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had publicly responded to the allegations cited in the reports. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had also not issued any official statement regarding Yesufu’s remarks.
