Vol. 2 No. 1 (2024): FUOYE JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
Articles

ELECTORAL CHALLENGES IN NIGERIA AND THE ROLE OF INEC: A CASE STUDY OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

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  • Nweze, Godwin Nonye,
  • Igwe, C.M,
  • Aniobi, S.C. (Ph.D),
  • Mba, C. C. (Ph.D),
  • Fatima, J. K. S (Ph.D),
  • Azowue, O Emmanuel
Nweze, Godwin Nonye
Department of Public Administation, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University OyeEkiti
Igwe, C.M
Department of Public Administration, Federal University, Oye Ekiti. Ekiti State
Aniobi, S.C. (Ph.D)
Department of Public Administration, Federal University, Oye Ekiti. Ekiti State
Mba, C. C. (Ph.D)
G.S Unit, Enugu State University of Science and Technology,
Fatima, J. K. S (Ph.D)
Department of Public Administration, Federal University, Oye Ekiti. Ekiti State
Azowue, O Emmanuel
Science Unit, School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka

Published 2024-05-05

Keywords

  • Election, General, Nigeria, INEC, Role

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the obstacles affecting the peaceful conduct of elections in Nigeria, focusing on the 2023 elections held by INEC as a case study. While some African nations have managed to conduct transparent elections, others like DR Congo and Nigeria have faced challenges like rigging and violence despite efforts to ensure credibility. Nigeria, specifically, has witnessed violence, ballot theft, vote buying, and electoral malpractices, hindering the attainment of free and fair elections. Before the 2023 elections, INEC reported attacks on 53 of its offices across Nigeria, with ongoing violence persisting. This paper critically analyzes these challenges to identify their root causes and proposes solutions to facilitate transparent and credible elections in Nigeria. Through a method of critical analysis, it argues that politicians, citizens, INEC, the judiciary, and the government all bear responsibility for ensuring successful polls. Additionally, it suggests that adopting successful strategies used by countries like Senegal, Angola, and Kenya could provide insights for Nigeria to overcome these challenges.

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