Money Politics and Commercialization of Votes: The 2020 Governorship Election in Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study looks at votes commercialized and bought in the 2016 governorship election in Edo state, focusing on three
metropolitan areas: Egor, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ored. The study deployed a chronological assessment and analysis of
the conduct and quality of elections from the colonial to the post-colonial era, highlighting the consequences of a
flawed and questionable electoral process in Nigeria. Relying on primary data sources, relevant qualitative data were
generated and analyzed. The study revealed that the election was marred by the financial inducement of the electorates
caused by poverty and ignorance. It recommends that the issue of poverty should be tackled seriously. It recommends
collaboration between all financial institutions and anti-corruption agencies to monitor all cash transfers on the day
of elections.