ELECTORAL INTEGRITY IN NIGERIA: CHALLENGES, STRATEGIES AND PATHWAYS TO REFORM

Abstract

Electoral integrity is the cornerstone of democratic governance, underpinning public trust and legitimacy in electoral processes. In Nigeria, persistent challenges such as vote-buying, ballot tampering, voter intimidation, and electoral result manipulation undermine efforts to achieve credible and transparent elections. This study critically examined the legal and institutional frameworks governing electoral processes in Nigeria, focusing on the innovations introduced by the Electoral Act 2022. Employing a doctrinal methodology, it utilised primary sources, such as constitutional provisions, statutes, and case law, alongside secondary sources, including scholarly articles, reports, and commentaries, to provide a comprehensive analysis. The paper evaluated the role of key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, in safeguarding electoral integrity. While technological advancements, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), represent significant progress, systemic obstacles—political interference, corruption, and inconsistent law enforcement—continue to pose barriers to reform. The study identified gaps in the legal framework, particularly in enforcing penalties for electoral malpractice and the adjudication of disputes, and proposed actionable reforms. These include enhancing judicial independence, strengthening INEC’s operational autonomy, increasing penalties for electoral offences, and expanding civic education to foster accountability and transparency. By addressing these challenges, this paper provides a pathway for consolidating Nigeria’s democratic processes and reinforcing public confidence in its electoral system.