Combating the Scourge of Vote Trading
Vote trading—the exchange of votes for money or favors—has become a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy. It undermines the electoral process, erodes trust in governance, and perpetuates a cycle of corruption. The Alternative is committed to reorienting citizens and restoring the dignity of the Nigerian vote.
Understanding the Problem
Vote trading thrives in environments where poverty, misinformation, and disillusionment prevail. Many citizens view elections as opportunities to gain short-term benefits, often unaware of the long-term consequences.
Our Reorientation Goals
- Educating Citizens: Highlighting the dangers of vote trading and its impact on governance and development.
- Promoting Ethical Voting: Encouraging citizens to vote based on candidates’ ideologies, plans, and integrity, rather than immediate gains.
- Creating Grassroots Champions: Training local advocates to spread the message against vote trading in their communities.
Our Strategies
- Community Dialogues: Hosting conversations at the grassroots level to discuss the effects of vote trading and promote ethical voting.
- Media Campaigns: Utilizing radio, television, and social media to drive home the message against vote trading.
- Real-Life Stories: Sharing stories of communities impacted negatively by vote trading to foster understanding and change.
By addressing the root causes and spreading awareness, we aim to inspire a cultural shift where Nigerians prioritize the collective good over short-term gains.