Elections and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Towards a Nexus

Abstract

This study is intended to examine Elections and the Quest for Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Towards a Nexus. The objectives were: to examine the role of credible election in deepening democracy in Nigeria; to evaluate the extent to which the general elections since 1999 have laid the foundation for democratic consolidation in Nigeria; to examine the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in election management in Nigeria; to examine the place of Constitutional/ Legal and Institutional factors in democratic Consolidation in Nigeria; and to identify the factors inhibiting credible, free and fair elections as well as democratic consolidation in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design, deploying the purposive sampling technique and Taro Yamane to determine the sample size and population. Primary data were gathered through questionnaires while secondary data were collected from published documents. The study found that there is a substantial connection between periodic elections and democratic consolidation. This is because elections provide political education and consciousness among citizens and ensure that political leaders hearken to the demands of the public. It also shows that INEC has fared well in the conduct of elections and that series of electoral reforms have contributed to improving the conduct of elections in Nigeria. Specifically, the Electoral Act 2022 has reformed the electoral process by granting INEC financial autonomy, early part primaries, the extension of the timeframe for campaigns by political parties, the establishment of a central electronic voter database, electoral technology, etc. Based on the findings of this study, the study recommended that critical actors in the nation’s electoral space should synergize to improve the health, vitality and credibility of elections in Nigeria: This can be achieved through the following: a. the independence of the judiciary and timely dispensation of judgments arising from elections before the winner is sworn-in; b. transparent voting and counting; c. voter registration and issuance of PVCs should be a continuous exercise in order not to disenfranchise some Nigerians who genuinely want to vote in elections. The study further recommended increased and adequate funding of INEC; adequate security to protect electoral materials and officials; etc.