Information gap in INEC communications and its influence on vote buying outcome in 2023 gubernatorial election in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

The hallmark of democracy is regular elections. The education of voters before elections must be effective and efficient. This study on the knowledge gap in elections identifies potential ineffective voter education strategies that result in the success of vote-buying, a hotly debated and viral topic in today's conversation on the conduct of elections in Nigeria. The research method employed for the study was survey. Copies of the questionnaire were utilized to collect information, which was then analyzed using basic descriptive statistical techniques. The study, which is based on theories of the State and Clientelism, aims to ascertain the degree to which INEC, NGOs, and other Government agencies educated the electorates before the 2023 elections as well as the level, if any, of vote-buying in the Delta state governorship elections.  The results demonstrate that there is a lack of effective and efficient voters' education, and this has a detrimental influence on citizens' trust and confidence in Nigeria's electoral system, resulting in a variety of electoral manipulations.  Before elections, the report suggested voter education to inform the people.