A Critical Review of Democracy and the Aftermath of the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria (2025)

There is no denying that Nigeria has democratized significantly since the end of military dictatorship in 1999. The paper examines democracy and Nigeria's 2023 general elections while accounting for various factors that affected the course of events and the outcome. The Nigerian state has experienced a surge of democratic advancements throughout the last several decades. A democracy is a system of governance where voters elect representatives to office via free and fair elections. The standard of democracy is a free and fair election. Put another way, democracy suggests that the people have the power to choose their leaders. A democratic system is distinguished from any other by the political right of the people to choose their leaders through a free and fair election process. The general election of 2023 is the seventh in a series of elections held since Nigeria's return to civil rule in 1999. Despite this, Nigeria's democracy has proven difficult to navigate because of the country's diverse ethnic and religious population, the frequency of military takeovers, and its underdeveloped economy. The introduction of new technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission, such as the Bi-modal Voting Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), to enhance poll administration in 2023 ultimately made the general elections that year in Nigeria a significant test of the country's democratic progress. The Electoral Act 2022, which brought changes intended to better organize pre-election procedures in a timely manner and to increase transparency in the collation and reporting of results, provided support for this confidence. The general elections of 2023 took place in a very controversial and contested environment, similar to other elections in Nigeria. This included significant insecurity and unclear government policies implemented prior to the poll. Utilizing a qualitative methodology that incorporated data from secondary sources and historical analysis, the study discovered that the election did not meet the legitimate and reasonable expectations of the Nigerian people. Several accredited election observation groups reported that the election's credibility was severely damaged by several procedural errors, including ineffective management of the distribution of permanent voters cards (PVCs), a breakdown in operational and logistical planning, malfunctioning election technology, instances of vote manipulation, political violence, a lack of transparency in the process of collating and declaring results, and inadequate crisis communication. Taking into account the urgent problems that Nigeria is currently facing, such as pervasive poverty, rampant corruption, and insecurity, in addition to a deficient electoral system that has impeded voter turnout in previous elections. Thus, the study suggested, among other things, bolstering the electoral body's independence, putting policies in place to guarantee that there is no fraud or manipulation of the election, and making sure that the election represents the will of the people. Future Nigerian general elections will be more successful in fostering better democracy and a more stable post-election environment if these strategies are put into practice.

Ajol file journals 132 articles 273870 669266881a7e

Democracy and Electoral Integrity In The Nigerian 2023 General Elections: An Assessment. , 2024

This paper examines some of the most profoundly complex factors that influenced the 2023 general election process and its outcome in Nigeria. Methodologically structured in qualitative method, it drew its data from secondary sources; textbooks, journals, internet, official INEC website and from over 26 Nigerian daily Newspapers. These were contently analyzed within the context of the subject matter under consideration. Findings reveal that despite the optimism generated by INEC's improved electoral technologies; Bi-modal Voting Accreditation System(BVAS) and INEC's Results Viewing Portal(IREV) which aimed at guaranteeing the transparency of electoral results, the 2023 general elections was held amid difficult environment characterized by wide spread insecurity and uncertain governmental policies, operational and logistics challenges, malfunctioning electoral technologies, violence and intimidation, electoral fraud, lack of transparency in communication and collation of results, inadequate infrastructure among others. From these findings the paper recommended the imperatives of strengthening the institution of INEC by making it truly independent and in this way, it can guarantee a fraud-free election which will be a reflection of the will of Nigerians. This will bolster democracy and foster a more stable future elections in the country.

Democracy and Electoral Integrity in The Nigerian 2023 General Elections: An Assessment

Global Journal of Social Sciences, 2024

This paper examines some of the most profoundly complex factors that influenced the 2023 general election process and its outcome in Nigeria. Methodologically structured in qualitative method, it drew its data from secondary sources; textbooks, journals, internet, official INEC website and from over 26 Nigerian daily Newspapers. These were contently analyzed within the context of the subject matter under consideration. Findings reveal that despite the optimism generated by INEC's improved electoral technologies; Bi-modal Voting Accreditation System(BVAS) and INEC's Results Viewing Portal(IREV) which aimed at guaranteeing the transparency of electoral results, the 2023 general elections was held amid difficult environment characterized by wide spread insecurity and uncertain governmental policies, operational and logistics challenges, malfunctioning electoral technologies, violence and intimidation, electoral fraud, lack of transparency in communication and collation of results, inadequate infrastructure among others. From these findings the paper recommended the imperatives of strengthening the institution of INEC by making it truly independent and in this way, it can guarantee a fraud-free election which will be a reflection of the will of Nigerians. This will bolster democracy and foster a more stable future elections in the country.

Digital Democracy and Elections in Nigeria: An Assessment of the 2023 Governorship Election in Taraba State

Futurity of Social Science, 2024

Digital democracy is the application of digital technology in election processes. This paper examined the application of digital devices in the 2023 Governorship election in Taraba state. Using Cross Sectional survey research design through the instrumentality of questionnaire, a sample size of 383 was drawn from a Local Government Area from each of the three senatorial zones in the state using stratify and random sampling method. The data of the study is primary and secondarily

Impact of Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) on Election Integrity in Nasarawa State

2024

THE PERCEPTION OF NIGERIANS ON THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION

Nigerian's Perception on the 2023 General Election, 2024

Nigeria held presidential election in February 2023. Domestically the election was judged not to be free, fair and transparent it must be stated that there is more work to be done by Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in order to consolidate Nigerian's perception on the election cause every citizen has one or two negative narrations about the election. If credible elections are to become a fact of Nigeria's political life, as promised by the late President Umaru Yar'Adua and his then vice-president, Goodluck Jonathan, INEC and other stakeholders have more roles to play in all sincerity and godliness. This work is an attempt to review empirically the Perception of Nigerians in the 2023 general election in Nigeria. It highlights what Nigerian's take about the general election especially about the loopholes of INEC and other bodies responsible for the conduct of election and also recommends ways of overcoming them.

Democracy and 2023 General Elections in Nigeria: Retrospect and Prospects

Direct Research Journal of Social Science and Educational Studies, 2023

This paper analyzes democracy and Nigeria's general elections of 2023 while taking into account a broader range of variables that influenced both the process and the result. Over the past few decades, Nigeria has seen a wave of democratic advances. Democracy is a form of government in which citizens can choose their leaders through free and fair elections. Free and fair election is the benchmark of democracy. In other words, democracy implies that the people have the opportunity to decide who governs them. Regular elections offer the people the opportunity to accept or refuse the men who are to govern them. It is the political right enjoyed by the people to decide who should govern them in a free and fair election that separates democracy from any other kind of political system. The 2023 general election is the seventh election in the series of general elections held since Nigeria returned to civil rule in 1999. Nevertheless, democracy in Nigeria has been complex due to the multiple ethnic and religious groups that make up the population, the prevalence of military coups, and the lack of economic development. Ultimately, the 2023 general elections in Nigeria became a major test of the nation's democratic progress due to the INEC's introduction of new technology, including the Bi-modal Voting Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), to improve administration of the 2023 polls. Buttressing this optimism was the Electoral Act 2022, which introduced reforms aimed at more timely organization of pre-electoral processes and increasing transparency in results collation and reporting. Like most elections in Nigeria, the 2023 general election was conducted under a deeply contentious, and disputed, atmosphere, including widespread insecurity and uncertain government policies introduced ahead of the election. Relying on qualitative approach using data gathered from secondary sources as well as historical analysis. The study found out that the election fell short of Nigerian citizens’ legitimate and reasonable expectations, as several accredited election observation groups reported that the credibility of the 2023 election was greatly marred by numerous pitfalls in election administration such as inefficient management of permanent voters cards (PVCs) distribution, failure of operational and logistical arrangements, malfunctioning of election technology, instances of vote manipulation, political violence, lack of transparent results collation and declaration process, and poor crisis communication. Considering also, the pressing issues that face Nigeria today, these include widespread poverty, corruption, and insecurity, as well as an inadequate electoral infrastructure that has hindered voter participation in past elections. The study therefore recommended among other things: strengthening the independence of the electoral body, putting in place measures to ensure the election is free from fraud and manipulation, and ensuring that the election reflects the will of the people. By implementing these strategies, the future general elections in Nigeria will be able to realize greater success in terms of improved democracy and a more stable post-election period.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Electoral Development in Nigeria: An Evaluation of the Opportunities and Challenges

American Journal of Social and Humanitarian Research Vol. 5 Issue 8 | pp. 184-194, 2024

Elections play a crucial role in promoting democratic progress and should be carried out with utmost credibility and transparency. Utilizing ICT in the implementation of elections offers countries the chance to ensure the proper execution of electoral processes. This research investigates the relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) and the progress of elections in Nigeria. The study posed two research questions: what are the potential obstacles impeding the utilization of Information Communication Technology frameworks for the execution of elections in Nigeria? What are the potential benefits of using Information Communication Technology (ICT) in the electoral process in Nigeria, specifically in terms of the connection between ICT and elections in the country? The study used a descriptive research design and the Technological Determinism Theory as its framework of analysis. The study gathered data from secondary sources, including government papers, media stories, and journals. Content analysis was used to examine and interpret the obtained data. The research results demonstrate that ICT may significantly enhance the implementation of elections in Nigeria when properly employed, while also revealing that elections in Nigeria continue to face certain obstacles. The study recommends that INEC should reassess its ICT frameworks to address potential weaknesses, while the government should guarantee strict compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022. Upon completion of the above, a significant transformation in the way we carry out our electoral processes will occur.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Promotion of Democracy in Nigeria: The Study of 2023 Presidential Election

Direct Research Journal of Social Science and Educational Studies, 2023

This paper analyzes democracy and 2023 Presidential election in Nigeria considering the wider set of factors that shaped the organization and the outcome. Elections are critical component to the survival of democratic system, just like a human being would find it impossible to exist without the heart. This implies that an election is the life-wire of democracy. In Nigeria, presidential elections are held every four years in order to select a President and Members of the National Assembly and State-level Assemblies. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the agency that is saddled with the responsibility of the conduct of elections and other related matters. It is worthy to note that an enduring electoral system must be able to enlist the trust and confidence of the masses by ensuring that the number of votes cast in an election reflects the popularity and acceptance of the political parties and the candidates in such an election. However, there are innumerable disputes of carrying out plausible election by the electoral body. It must be clearly stated that ballot snatching, vote buying, bribery, corruption, violation of electoral rules, rigging, manipulation of results for the purposes of winning elections always occur and the 2023 Presidential Election was not an exception. The main objective of this study is to examine the Independent National Electoral Commission and the promotion of democracy in Nigeria with reference to the 2023 Presidential Election. The study adopted the documentary methods of data collection and utilizes secondary sources; and relays on content analysis as its method of data analysis. To achieve this, the authors sourced for information from published textbooks, magazines, journal articles, official documents from the Yiaga Africa, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa, Nigeria's 1999 Constitution (as amended), 2022 Electoral Act, INEC guidelines, online materials and other relevant publications. The study found out that the activities of Nigeria's political elites ranging from greed for power, vote buying and non adherence to Electoral laws have undermined the country's chances for democratic progress. The study therefore recommends among other things that there is urgent need to address the problem of inequality and poverty in the country, importantly; various political institutions should be strengthened to act as agent of change. The political players have an obligation to abide by the laws and regulations that govern politics. Those who broke the nation's election regulations ought to face harsh penalties. In order to reassure voters that their votes will count and that they will be willing to participate, the electoral administrators should be men and women with a track record of integrity.

Voters’ disposition and the outcome of 2023 general elections in Nigeria

International Journal of Development and Management Review, 2023

Examining the Impact of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) As A Gamechanger In Nigeria 2023 Elections

The Information Technologist (The), 2023

The Smart Card Reader (SCR) deployed in Nigeria 2015 and 2019 elections by the Independent National electoral Commission (INEC) for voter accreditation failed to eliminate voting by proxy. Thus, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was introduced. This revolutionary technology combines voter registration, accreditation, and results transmission in one device. INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) enrolls new voters; the BVAS accredits voters on Election Day while the same device uploads election results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) Portal. Results show that the voter accreditation process is faster compared to SCR. BVAS has increased election participation, ensure equitable distribution of seats in the National Assembly, hence promoting inclusivity and sustenance of democracy in the country. This paper examines how BVAS works, how it protects election integrity, its drawbacks, and possible recommendation for future elections. Despite its drawbacks, technology is the answer to Nigeria electoral fraud. Its benefits exceed its drawbacks.