VOTE BUYING AND DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION IN NIGERIA: THE STUDY OF 2023 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract This study investigates the impact of vote-buying on democratic consolidation in Nigeria, focusing specifically on the 2023 gubernatorial election in Akwa Ibom State. Vote-buying has increasingly become a pervasive issue in Nigerian politics, undermining the credibility of elections and eroding public trust in the democratic process. The problem is particularly pronounced in Akwa Ibom State, where the practice has distorted electoral outcomes and hindered democratic governance. The research employs a descriptive research design, drawing on Richard Joseph's (1991) theory of prebendalism to analyze the phenomenon of vote-buying within the broader context of Nigeria's political economy. Data was collected through a comprehensive review of relevant literature, including textbooks, online journals, newspapers, and magazines. The qualitative method of data analysis was used to interpret the findings. The study reveals that Vote buying in Akwa Ibom State undermines the integrity of democratic process and increase concern about legitimacy of elected officials. The findings also highlight those detrimental effects of vote-buying on socio economic development whereby diverting resources from essential public services towards political patronage, leading to inefficient resource allocation and stifling economic growth. That vote buying has foster insecurity by diverting resources away from essential security needs towards political patronage. It was recommended among other things the need to strengthen and enforce electoral laws to penalize vote-buying, enhance voter education to raise awareness of its negative impacts, and promote greater political accountability through transparent and inclusive governance practices. These measures are essential to curbing the influence of vote-buying and fostering a more resilient democratic process in Nigeria.