The Dynamics of Electoral Malpractice in Nigeria: An Analysis of the 2023 Presidential Election

Abstract

Election is a basic feature of democracy. It allows for such concepts as popular will, legitimacy, freedom, political participation and so on. In essence, any serious democratic state strives to establish solid electoral process through constituting independent electoral umpire and encouraging inclusiveness in electoral process. Nigeria appears to continually struggle with instituting formidable electoral process that would ensure that popular will reigns supreme in each election cycle. General appraisal of the history of electoral process in the country shows that only little gains have been made in that area, the 2023 presidential elections and the negative ratings thereof casting doubt on the possibility of solving the intractable problem and establishing a solid democratic system in the country in the near future. Considering the place of elections to ensuring ideal democracy and the challenge which instituting ideal electoral process in Nigeria presents, it is indeed imperative that a searchlight is continually beamed on the process in the country, especially at the end of each election cycle. It is on this premise that this paper chose to interrogate the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, adopting the historical method of research to analyse the issues therein thematically. The study finds that considering the forces that dotted the prelim to the election and the resources that were expended by the federal government to achieve a credible exercise, the entire process was a disappointment and such disappointment was expressed by observation bodies both local and international. In essence, the intractable electoral problem in Nigeria still persists.