MONEY POLITICS AND ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF VOTE BUYING IN 2023 SENATORIAL ELECTION IN GOMBE CENTRAL

The practice of vote buying has been a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections, undermining fairness, distorting voter preferences, and weakening public trust in the electoral system. This study investigates the role of vote buying in the 2023 senatorial election in Gombe Central, Nigeria, focusing on its impact on electoral integrity and democratic outcomes. The research aims to assess the nature, forms, and prevalence of vote buying in Gombe Central, identify the factors contributing to its widespread occurrence, and explore the consequences it has on electoral credibility. Additionally, the study seeks to propose strategies to mitigate the effects of vote buying and enhance the integrity of future elections. Using descriptive survey research design. The study used quantitative data collection method using structured questionnaires administered to 400 registered voters in Gombe Central. The data collected were analyzed using frequency count and percentage and chi-square. The findings indicate that vote buying was prevalent during the 2023 election, with money distribution being the most common form of vote buying observed. The study identifies economic hardship, lack of political awareness, weak electoral monitoring, and high political competition as key factors influencing the prevalence of vote buying. A significant portion of respondents believed that vote buying negatively impacted the integrity of the election and contributed to the election of unqualified candidates. The study concludes that vote buying significantly undermines electoral integrity, distorts democratic outcomes, and erodes public trust in the electoral process. It recommends strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing voter education, increasing electoral monitoring, and addressing socio-economic challenges to reduce the prevalence of vote buying.