POLITICS OF INCONCLUSIVE ELECTION IN NIGERIA:1999-2019

Abstract

There has been an increase of inconclusive elections in Nigeria, though it is a phenomenon that occurs in election, it is becoming a trend in Nigeria and is posing a great threat for the current and future electoral process in Nigeria. This menace hinders smooth transition in the democratic process in Nigeria. This paper seeks to examine the patterns and dynamics of inconclusive election in Nigeria, the factors responsible for inconclusive elections and its attendant effects on the electoral process in Nigeria from the perspective of the conflict theorists. Using the qualitative method of data analysis, the paper argues that politicians and political parties promote irregularities such as violence, provision of inadequate electoral materials, disregard for electoral laws, in order to desperately hold on to power, of which the end results are declaration of inconclusive election. Data used for the paper were collected from secondary sources such as textbooks, newspapers, online materials and journals. The paper recommended by stating that incessant inconclusive election can be curbed and arrested, if the INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) makes stringent rules to guide the conduct of election, civil societies and non-governmental organization, which are election inclined are incorporated into the electoral process in Nigeria. More attention should be paid to the areas of security, voters are sensitized and enlightened. These measures if taken will tackle the problems of inconclusive election to a great extent and our democratic process will not be altered.