International Journal of Sub-Saharan African Research (IJSSAR)

Background: Vote buying has emerged as a significant challenge to the democratic process in Nigeria, undermining the core principles of democracy, which include free and fair elections, transparency, and accountability.
Objective: This study investigated the impact of vote buying and need for value orientation in Nigerian democracy in Awka Metropolis.
Method: This study adopted descriptive survey research design and adopted simple random sampling and accidental sampling techniques in selecting participants for the study. A sample size of ninety-five (95) was generated for the study using Quadratics sample size calculator at 95% level of significance and 10% margin of error. Structured questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection as the data collected was analysed using frequency count, percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results: The study found that there is high rate of vote-buying in Awka Metropolis during elections. The study also found that vote-buying have various serious adverse impact on democracy in Nigeria. The study further found that value reorientation such as the education of the populace on adverse effects of vote-buying on governance and their wellbeing will make them kick against vote-buying.
Conclusion: The study concludes that there is high rate of vote-buying in Awka Metropolis and have various serious adverse impact on democracy from hindering democratic processes as well as bringing incompetent leaders into office that affects the well-being of the people adversely. The study also showed the importance of value reorientation in eradicating vote-buying in Awka Metropolis and Nigeria. Unique contribution: The current study offered new insights on the fact that vote-buying has very negative impact on democracy as it is believed to lead to disenfranchisement of people, destabilize democratic process, rob people of their preferred choice of leader, lead to election of non-credible leaders into office and also foster corruption and non-democratic practices. This result is reflective of political outcomes that have been experienced across the country but with the call for value reorientation people will be educated on the negative effects of vote buy to our society therefore giving an end to vote buying for a better society and effective leadership. Key recommendation: The study recommends amongst others that educating the Nigerian populace on the adverse effects of vote-buying on governance and their wellbeing should be carried out by government agencies, INEC and other NGOs as this will help the populace kick against vote-buying and selling.