The Nigerian election process, often touted as a democratic celebration of the nation’s growth, is riddled with behind-the-scenes dealings, shady manipulations, and hidden influences. While millions of Nigerians vote every four years, how much of the election process truly reflects the people’s will? Do you even think the votes do count?  And how much is decided by the Political Godfathers long before the ballots are even counted?

Behind the scenes Nigeria’s political landscape shaped by these godfathers has caused controversies among Nigerian citizens. The greedy ones accept the money, alliances, and meritorious interests — all of which keep the real power away from the people.

In this article, we will break down the hidden realities of the Nigerian electoral process, examining who the key players are, how election outcomes are really determined, and whether Nigeria’s democracy is as transparent as it claimed to be.

The Power Brokers And Political Landlords

Who are they? They are the Political Godfathers Controlling the Votes! These Godfathers already know who they are going to fix in any Political position even before the election and voting process. 

Do you mind if I mention a few of them? These godfathers, including influential figures like Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, General Olusegun Obasanjo and many others. They often hold more sway than the candidates themselves. Their reach extends far beyond their home states, as they control party structures, local governments, and state resources.

To start, Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State and a key player in the All Progressives Congress (APC), has built a political empire. His influence over political decisions, from local elections to national offices, has been undeniable. Tinubu’s estimated net worth of $4 billion is a testament to his political power and control over Lagos, the economic hub of Nigeria. He has single-handedly backed the election of several governors and senators, including the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as president in 2015.

These godfathers use patronage, influence, and resource allocation to control election outcomes. Politicians often depend on godfathers to gain visibility and secure nominations. In return, these godfathers demand loyalty and compensation, making them indispensable figures in the Nigerian political ecosystem.

Rigging And Manipulation

While Nigerian elections are touted as fair and transparent, they often fall short of these claims. Election rigging has long been an issue in Nigeria, with various tactics employed to alter election results. Rigging isn’t just about tampering with votes; it’s about controlling the entire election process.

One of the most infamous examples of election manipulation occurred during the 1993 presidential election, where Moshood Abiola was believed to have won, but the result was annulled under controversial circumstances. Since then, rigging allegations have followed every election, culminating in the 2019 elections, which saw accusations of voter suppression, ballot box snatching, and fraudulent result tabulations.

The truth is, rigging happens at every stage of the process. From the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials who oversee the elections, to party agents who influence vote counting, manipulation occurs at both the grassroots and national levels. This is where the “invisible vote” comes into play. Elections are sometimes decided not by the people’s voice, but by behind-the-scenes deals that shape the outcome before the first vote is cast.

During my NYSC, I was posted to one part of Akwa Ibom State as an electoral official. When the real business commenced, I was shocked when a plethora of policital thugs invaded the polling units with arms and ammunitions and commanded everyone of us into their convoy and we were conveyed into a secret room. Behind the doors, we were forced to vote as many times as they wished in order to increase the numbers they accumulated from that unit alone.

Then I wondered what the fate of an innocent contestant would be, and as I speak, the people behind this manipulation came out victorious with their votes alone exceeding the total numbers of votes captured in that unit. Lol! And even if their opponent would challenge the result in the court, it would yield no positive result because even the judiciary system in Nigeria is also fixed with morons and by these morons. I just gave up on Nigerian politics since then; and I’d rather keep writing to expose their hidden gamble player against the masses.

Alliances And Sumptuous Deals

One of the defining features of Nigerian politics is the creation of alliances for strategic purposes. These alliances, however, often lead to deals that undermine the voters’ true wishes. Politicians frequently form pacts not based on shared values or common goals, but out of sheer political calculation.

A prime example is the alliance between the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) before the 2019 elections. While the two parties typically clashed, they found common ground when it came to securing certain electoral outcomes. Deals like these, though kept hidden from the public, ensure that the status quo remains intact, leaving the average Nigerian voter with very little knowledge in the process.

Beyond political parties, the elite class—especially those with deep pockets—engages in secretive negotiations that impact electoral outcomes. These backdoor deals are the true reason why many Nigerians feel disconnected from the political process. The public is often left out of these conversations, leading to the continuous dominance of the political class that has the money and power to dictate terms.

How Money Is Used in Buying Votes During Electoral Process

Money is arguably the most powerful force in Nigerian elections. From vote buying to media campaigns, wealth plays an undeniable role in determining the outcome of elections. Politicians with deep pockets don’t just run ad campaigns; they also buy votes, distribute cash, and bribe key electoral officials.

In the 2019 elections, vote buying was rampant in several states, particularly in the southwest and south-south regions. Politicians would distribute money to voters in exchange for their ballots, undermining the entire democratic process. Bola Tinubu, one of Nigeria’s wealthiest politicians, is often accused of using his wealth to buy votes in Lagos State, which helped him maintain his political dominance in the region.

This is not just about small-scale bribes; it’s a systemic issue. According to reports, political parties in Nigeria routinely allocate millions of dollars to secure votes and maintain power. During election seasons, politicians spend enormous amounts on mobilizing voters, promising cash rewards, jobs, and other forms of patronage. This transactional approach to politics diminishes the integrity of the election process, and the public often sees it as a necessity to vote in exchange for financial benefits.

The Media’s Role: A Double-Edged Sword

The media, particularly television and social media platforms, plays an enormous role in shaping public opinion during elections. However, the narrative presented to the public is not always accurate or unbiased. The media can either serve as a platform for transparency or as a tool for manipulation, depending on which side of the political spectrum owns it.

Nigeria’s media landscape is divided along party lines, with some media houses openly favoring certain candidates. Take, for example, Channels TV, which has been accused of favoring the APC during elections. Similarly, some online platforms amplify propaganda in favor of other political candidates. This selective media coverage skews public perception, creating a false sense of political superiority for certain candidates, even if their record does not match the media portrayal.

Social media also plays a key role in shaping the election process, particularly with the rise of online influencers, paid bloggers, and bots that can sway voters. These platforms, when controlled by political operatives, can spread fake news, disinformation, and propaganda that mislead voters. The spread of falsehoods during the 2023 elections was one of the most concerning examples of how media can be weaponized to influence political outcomes.

The Big Question Now Is Can the Next Generation Overturn the Status Quo?

In recent years, young Nigerians have become increasingly vocal about their desire for change. The youth vote was instrumental in the 2023 elections, where candidates like Peter Obi of the Labour Party gained unprecedented support from young Nigerians. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Instagram, became rallying points for Obi’s supporters, who saw him as a candidate for change.

However, despite the enthusiasm of young voters, the reality of election outcomes in Nigeria remains grim. While there was a significant outcry for change, voter turnout among the youth remained low, especially in rural areas. 

What Happens Once the Votes Are Counted?

Once the votes are counted and the election results are announced, the real work begins—reforming or reinforcing the power structures that were built before the election. After a candidate wins, what really happens behind closed doors is often shrouded in secrecy.

The victorious candidate may reward loyalists with positions of power, government contracts, and other perks. These post-election deals ensure that the political class remains in control, maintaining the status quo for future elections. The wealth and power that come with being elected to office often pave the way for the next election cycle, where deals made today will influence the outcome of future elections.

Furthermore, the aftermath of the election often involves efforts to suppress dissent and ensure that opposition parties do not rise again. With the help of godfathers, politicians cement their control over both local and national levels, further entrenching the system of political patronage and corruption. Now the biggest question is:

Can Nigeria’s Election Process Ever Be Truly Transparent?

With so many hidden players and so much financial and political influence at work, it is difficult to see how Nigeria’s election process can ever be fully transparent. From political godfathers to vote buying, to media manipulation and judiciary interference, the system is deeply flawed.

However, In a true democratic nation, the power to change this system lies with the people. Citizens must demand accountability from their leaders and reject the corrupt practices that continue to dominate the electoral process. Until then, elections in Nigeria will remain a game for the rich and powerful, leaving the average voter with little say in the matter.

What do you think? Can Nigeria’s election system ever be reformed, or is it doomed to repeat the same mistakes? Do you have any piece of advice for the masses regarding the rigged electoral conduct in Nigeria? Share your thoughts in the  comment section below.