Money Politics and conduct of credible Election in Nigeria: a case study of Kano State 2015 Gubernatorial Election

Abstract

One of the challenges of conducting free, fair and credible election in Nigeria has been recognized to be excessive monetization of politics. Due to the use of money, elections were not uncredible but the beneficiaries of these fraudulent elections fail to recognize the people as the main focus of democracy. It is on this premise that this study was designed to investigate the nexus between money politics and conduct of credible election in Nigeria the 2015 gubernatorial election in Kano State as a reference case. Using documentary content analysis as methodology and elite theory of clientelism and prebendalism as theoretical framework of analysis, the study revealed that money politics and credible election have serious relationship in Kano State political arena. It is imperative to note that the implications discussed are by no means exhaustible but they are by all means clear analysis of the Nigerian experience, but in this case, 2015 gubernatorial election in Kano State. The study therefore concluded that money plays important role in the electoral process in Kano State. It was recommended that the electoral and other institutional reforms should be effective. Anti-corruption agencies should collaborate with banks and other financial institutions to monitor the movement of cash during elections. Also essential, is a culture of democratic citizenship that begins with a citizenry ready to insist on credible and transparent elections. Voters should be sensitized to imbibe moral objections to money politics