Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) has raised concerns over the growing menace of vote buying and vote selling in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to democratic governance and could undermine the credibility of future elections if left unchecked.
The organisation also urged political actors across the country to conduct themselves responsibly ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that elections should not be treated as a battlefield but as a democratic process through which citizens freely choose their leaders.
Speaking at the 2026 June 12 Democracy Day Public Lecture in Uyo on Friday, CHRAN Director, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, said the increasing commercialization of the electoral process weakens accountability and erodes public confidence in democracy.
Addressing participants at the lecture themed, “The Dangers of Vote Selling in a Democracy,” Isong noted that the practice allows unqualified leaders to emerge while depriving citizens of the moral authority to demand good governance from elected officials.
He cautioned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric, political intolerance and acts capable of inciting violence as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum across the country.
“Elections should not be seen as a warfront or battle to kill and destroy one another. It is simply an opportunity for the people to elect their servants who will deliver on good governance to them,” he said.
The rights advocate maintained that democracy remains the best form of government despite its challenges, adding that Nigerians must continue to safeguard democratic institutions and processes through active participation and civic responsibility.
According to him, the annual June 12 lecture provides an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by pro-democracy activists whose struggles paved the way for the restoration of democratic rule in 1999 and the eventual recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day.
He paid tribute to late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and other democracy activists who lost their lives during the struggle against military rule, describing them as heroes whose sacrifices must never be forgotten.
While assessing Nigeria’s democratic journey, Isong argued that the country’s current constitutional framework has not sufficiently addressed many of the nation’s challenges, calling for comprehensive constitutional reforms to strengthen governance and deepen democracy.
“There is no doubt that the extant constitution requires a fundamental review, if not a complete overhaul,” he stated.
The CHRAN Director further urged Nigerians to reject electoral inducements and embrace issue-based politics, insisting that the future of the country depends largely on the ability of voters to make informed choices and hold leaders accountable. He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, human rights and democratic values, describing them as critical pillars for the survival and growth of Nigeria’s democracy.