Electoral Administration in Nigeria: The Conflicts, Problems and Prospects

Abstract

This article examines the electoral administration in Nigeria with a focus on conflicts and problems in the Fourth Republic. The nation’s return to democracy in 1999 interfaced with the fundamental roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The aim of study is to point out that both international and local electoral observers have reported shortcomings in the founding elections (first) conducted by INEC. These shortcomings have adverse effects on democracy in Nigeria. Moreover, an incumbent political party may always connive with INEC to rig its way back to power. Consequently, INEC, has been indicted on several occasions by the opposition political parties after the announcement of electoral results. This article argues that, the management of elections, INEC has not been politically independent in Nigeria. The article submits that INEC should be stronger than the incumbent government in Nigeria. The method employed in this study include qualitative and primary documents.