By Joseph Umaru Philip
In a country where survival often overshadows principles, the role of the economy in shaping voter behaviour has never been more apparent. With every electoral cycle, bags of rice and naira notes replace policy debates, and elections become a battleground for short-term survival rather than long-term governance. But can Nigeria’s democracy rise above this survival game? The answer lies in addressing systemic inequality and building an economy where civic choices are driven by principles, not desperation.
The pervasive practice of vote-buying in Nigeria reflects a harsh economic reality. Poverty and unemployment have entrenched a survivalist mindset where voters trade their ballots for temporary relief. For many, the promise of a few naira notes, or food items outweighs the abstract benefits of good governance or long-term policy reforms. This is even made worse by long years of broken electoral promises.
Civil society actors and development practitioners frequently campaign against vote-buying, but their efforts often miss the root cause: economic inequality. Deployments of agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during elections to curb vote-buying have led to arrests, but prosecution is rare, and the underlying issues remain unaddressed.
When survival is at stake, ideals like accountability and progress seem distant and unattainable. This dynamic extends beyond voters to electoral administrators and even civil society organizations, as elections increasingly become a means of survival for many stakeholders.
The harsh economic reality also explains the perceived lack of political ideology among Nigeria’s political elite. In a system where power is tied to access to wealth and patronage, governance is often driven by personal leverage rather than party principles or ideology. Public officeholders, who control vast resources, often overshadow party leaders, reducing the concept of party supremacy to a mirage.
This cycle weakens institutional integrity and undermines governance. Political actors prioritize survival over collective goals, perpetuating a system where elections are less about democratic accountability and more about personal gain.
Sam Pressler, in his article “The Lies We Tell Ourselves,” critiques the disconnect between elite-driven narratives and the realities of ordinary people. While his reflections focus on America, his insights resonate in Nigeria, particularly Wendell Berry’s assertion that “merely political freedom means little within a totalitarian economy.”
In Nigeria, true political and civic freedom cannot exist in a vacuum. Economic equity is essential. When citizens have access to opportunities and resources, their choices at the ballot box are informed by principles rather than immediate survival needs. This transformation is critical for breaking the vicious cycle of survival-based politics.
The question remains: Can Nigeria rise above the survival game to achieve a democracy built on principles and progress? The answer lies in the collective will of its people and leaders to demand and enact change. By addressing economic inequality and fostering a culture of civic responsibility, Nigeria can create an environment where democracy thrives, not as a tool for survival, but as a pathway to shared prosperity and national progress. Nigerians have the power to rise above the survival game—if leaders and citizens commit to bold economic and political reforms. The time to act is now.
Joseph Umaru Philip, Public Governance and Leadership Expert
Email: josephuphilip@gmail.com
READ ALSO:
- Lagos man lands in court for allegedly stealing N2.6m
- Deji Adeyanju petitions US, UK, others for visa ban on police PRO, Adejobi
- Ondo police chief orders autopsy on late Inspector following family’s concerns
- Ibadan man arraigned for alleged N7.9m fraud
- Bolt driver beaten to death by customer in Benin