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CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA AND THE CONFLICT OF LEGITIMACY-IMPLICATIONS OIN NATIONAL SECURITY
ABSTRACT
Elections play a pivotal role in the democratic process, serving as a fundamental mechanism for citizens to express their political will. In Nigeria, a country with a diverse sociopolitical landscape, the conduct of elections holds significant implications for national security. This study aims to critically examine the multifaceted impact of electoral processes on the security landscape of Nigeria.
This research is about the conduct of elections and its effect on national security. The study was geared at determining distinct objectives. These are to establish the relationship between conduct of election and national security. Thereafter, the nature of Nigeria electoral process would be examined. The implications of electoral process on the national security were then established. Finally ways of enhancing the conduct of elections in Nigeria were proffered.
The research will employ a comprehensive approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the historical context, challenges, and consequences associated with elections in the Nigerian context. The primary focus will be on understanding how the conduct of elections influences and shapes national security dynamics.
Key areas of investigation include:
Historical Analysis: A thorough examination of past elections in Nigeria to identify patterns, trends, and recurring challenges that have impacted national security.
Security Preparedness and Election Violence: Investigating the relationship between election-related violence and the security preparedness of government institutions, law enforcement agencies, and electoral bodies.
Impact on Social Cohesion: Analyzing how electoral processes contribute to or detract from social cohesion, ethnic relations, and inter-community harmony, with implications for national unity.
Cybersecurity Challenges: Assessing the vulnerability of electoral systems to cyber threats and exploring the potential consequences of cyber-attacks on election integrity and national security.
Displacement and Humanitarian Concerns: Examining the role of elections in population displacement and the subsequent humanitarian challenges, as well as their implications for the overall security environment.
International Perspectives: Considering the perceptions and reactions of the international community to the conduct of elections in Nigeria and their impact on diplomatic relations and geopolitical stability.
By addressing these aspects comprehensively, this research aims to provide insights into the complex interplay between the conduct of elections and national security in Nigeria. The findings are expected to contribute to the development of informed policies and strategies aimed at fostering secure, transparent, and credible electoral processes in the country, ultimately enhancing the stability and resilience of the Nigerian democratic system.
The descriptive research method was used for the study. The research revealed that conduct of elections is a means to achieving national security. It was further discovered that Nigeria’s electoral process the FPTP system has an inherent shortfall in the area of under-representation of minority groups. This often leads to disenchantment and violence. Furthermore, the study revealed the need for a review of the aspect of the constitution relating to the appointment and removal of chairman and membership of INEC. In the same vein, the study stressed the pitfall on the reliance of the electoral management body (EMB) on the executive for the approval of its financial budget.
To this end, adopting the Proportional Representatives Electoral system and the funding of INEC from established consolidated revenue is considered expedient. Also, the imperatives of labour and civil societies playing a key role in constituting members of EMB were highlighted.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- Background
- Statement of the problem
- Research Objectives
- Research questions
- Significance of the study
1.6 Scope of the study
Overview of Elections in Nigeria
2.1 Historical Perspective
2.2 Electoral System
2.3 Key Stakeholders
Legal Framework
3.1 Constitution and Electoral Laws
3.2 Regulatory Bodies
3.3 Electoral Processes and Procedures
National Security and Elections
4.1 Importance of National Security in Elections
4.2 Historical Incidents
4.3 International Standards
Conclusion
5.1 Summary of Key Findings
5.2 Conclusion
References
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background and Context
Nigeria, as the most populous country in Africa, has experienced a complex political history marked by transitions between military and civilian rule. The conduct of elections, a fundamental component of the democratic process, has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s political landscape. Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed a series of elections at various levels of government. However, the conduct of these elections has been marred by challenges ranging from electoral violence to allegations of corruption and malpractices, all of which have significant implications for the nation’s security.
The Electoral process in many developing African democracies including Nigeria is faced with the challenge of attaining legitimacy through free, fair, credible and violent free elections. The Nigerian democratic project has been enmeshed in violence and has become a recurrent phenomenon even though in modern times genuine democracy is associated with peaceful and credible elections. Voter participation in the electoral process is hampered by widespread violence and feeling of insecurity capable of resulting in low participation and abstention. Increasing academic interest has been attached to electoral participation in the established and developing democracies. Various works
Godstime Osariyekemwen IGIEBOR, PhD, is a Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
by scholars ((Skocpol & Morris, 1999; Dalton 1998, 2006; Norris 1999, 2010) have expressed concern over the seeming decline in the levels of citizens’ engagement in electoral activities as well as the low level of confidence placed on democratic institutions. Pharr and Putnam (2000, p. 18) note that “it is an irony that just at the moment when liberal democracy has defeated all its enemies on the battlefields of ideology and politics, many people in the established democracies believe that their political institutions are not performing well.”
Globally, and especially in the African continent, violence and insecurity have become phenomena occurrences associated with the electoral process in democratic practices. Nigeria however, has had experiences and incidences of election-related violence since Independence in 1960. From one election to another, overambitious politicians have devised and instigated violence-related activities to create feelings of insecurity in the electoral process in an attempt to acquire political power at whatever cost possible. These phenomenal events have hampered the quest of achieving credible electoral process and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. As noted by Adekanye (1989) and Ake (2001), elections have become smeared with distrust, doubts, and treats of insecurity to lives and property in Nigeria. Historically, the conduct of elections since 1964 has encountered several forms of violence and controversies which borders on violations of the citizen’s rights. Instead of election serving as a medium for the attainment of credibility in the voting process, it has become a charade subjected to the manipulative will of political and electoral officials which is capable of causing political instability and truncating Nigeria’s corporate existence.
Since 1999, Nigeria began another face of the democratization process, attempting to entrench and consolidate the basic precepts of democracy. However, after twenty (20) years of practice (that is, from 1999- 2019), the country is still at the threshold of democratic consolidation, and the foundation for virile, democratic and ideological based political parties is yet to be laid. Genuine political participation derived from politically educated and enlightened public and objectivity driven civil society groups are still to be realized. Nigeria’s political elites are still in the process of transition from autocratic realm or influence of leadership to the reality of democratic or peopleoriented form of leadership where governance or government actions are streamlined towards the interest of the people. However, it can be stated that Nigeria’s democratic experience has succeeded to the extent that the country has experienced twenty (20) years of uninterrupted civil rule within which the political elites have had numerous experiences required to develop. Among these experiences, is the problem of insecurity and violence that has plagued the Nigerian political and electoral process. Since 1999, every election held has had its fair share of violence. The elections (1999, 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019) were all marked with one type of violence or another, either before, during or after. Election periods in Nigeria are usually full of apprehension and fear. A Human Rights Watch report stated that widespread protests led to the death of over eight hundred (800) people in the Presidential election of 2011 and over sixty- five thousand (65,000) people were displaced internally in Borno, Zamfara, Katsina, Jigawa, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Kaduna, Sokoto, Niger and Yobe states (HRW, 2011; Bekoe, 2011; Adesote, & Abimbola, 2014; Udu 2015; Oladele, Anthony, Olaniyi, Sunday, & Ojo, 2019; CDD, 2019).
Though, democratic processes the world over do witness one form of electoral violence or the other, the established democracies have put up mechanisms that have reduced violence in their electoral process to a minimal level. In Africa, particularly Nigeria, the political elites and governments (ruling/opposition) are either busy scheming to retain power or to wrest it from the incumbent. The government and other relevant stakeholders have not done enough to confront head-on the problems of electoral violence with a view not only to prevent future occurrences but also to punish offenders so as to serve as deterrent to others (Damania, Fredriksson, & Muthukumara, 2004; Sadiq, 2006; Forest, 2012). Thus, electoral violence has become a norm rather than otherwise. The perpetrators punished while the victims are allowed to suffer. Electoral violence violates the rights of the voter and is thus, a crime that should not be tolerated, in the quest for democratic consolidation.
The idea of a democratic system of governance connotes equality and rights of opportunity for the citizenry. It guarantees the recognition of acceptable governance popular sovereignty, effective representation, the rights of a minority, consensus consultation, the right to select among alternative programmes as well as periodic elections (Oke, 2005, 2010). It gives room for participation in the political decision- making process, refutes uncertainty, autocracy and protects individual personality and values (Ake, 1991, 1996). It also emphasizes open competition, accountability, transparency, freedom to organize, protest, and guarantee civil rights and welfare (Cheema & Maguire, 2004; Sharma, 2007). Therefore, it is incumbent on the government of Nigeria at all levels to create an environment that is free from anxiety and fear so that eligible voters can participate actively, freely and confidently in the electoral process to elect leaders of their choice.
Elections stand as a cornerstone of democratic governance, serving as a mechanism through which citizens participate in shaping the destiny of their nation. In the context of Nigeria, a country with a tumultuous political history, the conduct of elections has emerged as a pivotal factor in the determination of political stability and national security. Since the restoration of civilian rule in 1999, Nigeria has undergone multiple electoral cycles, each presenting a unique set of challenges and implications for the nation’s security.
The intricate dynamics of conducting elections in Nigeria are marked by a confluence of factors, including historical legacies, diverse ethnicities, economic complexities, and evolving democratic institutions. As the most populous country in Africa, with a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions, the electoral process in Nigeria navigates through a myriad of complexities that extend beyond the act of voting itself.
This study delves into the nuanced landscape of the conduct of elections in Nigeria, scrutinizing the multifaceted challenges that have become intrinsic to the electoral process. Central to this examination is the exploration of the implications of electoral dynamics on the broader spectrum of national security. While elections are designed to be a mechanism for the peaceful transfer of power, they often become flashpoints for various security threats, including violence, corruption, and disputes.
The historical trajectory of elections in Nigeria has been punctuated by periods of military rule, democratic transitions, and efforts to consolidate democratic governance. The return to civilian rule in 1999 marked a significant turning point, yet the subsequent electoral processes have faced persistent challenges that impact the nation’s security fabric. Understanding this historical context is imperative for comprehending the contemporary issues surrounding the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
The conduct of elections is not merely a political exercise but one that reverberates across the entire spectrum of national life, including security. Electoral violence, a recurrent phenomenon in Nigeria, has profound implications for the stability of the nation. Corruption and malpractices associated with elections further undermine the democratic ideals and erode public trust in governance institutions. Additionally, unresolved electoral disputes can contribute to social unrest, posing threats to the overall security architecture.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The conduct of elections in Nigeria has been characterized by numerous issues that raise concerns about the stability and security of the nation. Electoral violence, corruption, and disputes have emerged as recurrent challenges, threatening the democratic ideals that elections aim to uphold. Understanding the implications of these challenges on national security is critical for both policymakers and scholars. This research aims to analyze the multifaceted problems associated with the conduct of elections in Nigeria and to assess their impact on the overall security of the nation.
1.3 Research Objectives
The primary objectives of this study are:
To examine the historical evolution of elections in Nigeria, with a focus on the post-1999 era.
To identify and analyze the challenges and issues related to the conduct of elections in Nigeria.
To assess the implications of electoral violence, corruption, and disputes on national security.
To explore the existing mechanisms and frameworks for addressing challenges in the electoral process.
To provide recommendations for enhancing the conduct of elections and mitigating security implications in Nigeria.
1.4 Research Questions
The research is guided by the following key questions:
What are the historical developments in the conduct of elections in Nigeria since 1999?
What are the major challenges associated with the conduct of elections in Nigeria?
How do electoral violence, corruption, and disputes impact national security in Nigeria?
What mechanisms and frameworks are in place to address challenges in the electoral process?
What recommendations can be proposed to improve the conduct of elections and enhance national security?
1.5 Justification of the Study
The significance of this research lies in its potential to contribute to academic scholarship, policy formulation, and practical interventions aimed at improving the conduct of elections in Nigeria. By exploring the implications of electoral challenges on national security, the study seeks to provide insights that can inform decision-making processes, enhance electoral integrity, and contribute to the overall stability of the nation.
1.6 Scope and Limitations
This research focuses on the post-1999 period, examining elections at the federal, state, and local government levels in Nigeria. While efforts will be made to provide a comprehensive analysis, limitations may arise due to constraints such as time, access to certain data, and the evolving nature of the political landscape.
1.7 Structure of the Thesis
The thesis is organized into chapters that sequentially address the research objectives. Chapter Two provides a comprehensive literature review, examining existing knowledge on the conduct of elections and its implications on national security. Subsequent chapters delve into empirical research, analysis, and discussions, leading to conclusions and recommendations in the final chapter.
In summary, this introductory chapter provides a foundation for understanding the importance of investigating the conduct of elections in Nigeria and its far-reaching implications on national security. The subsequent chapters will illuminate various facets of this complex issue through a detailed exploration of historical, theoretical, and practical dimensions.
1.8 Research Hypothesis
H0: There is a no relationship between conducts of elections in Nigeria and Nigeria national security
H1: There is a relationship between conducts of elections in Nigeria and Nigeria national security
H0: Electoral conduct does not have a significant effect on Nigeria’s national security.
H1: Electoral conduct have a significant effect on Nigeria’s national security.
1.9 Definition of terms
Security: The state of being or feeling secure; freedom from fear, anxiety, danger, doubt, etc.; state or sense of safety or certainty
Elections:
The formal process of selecting a person for public office or of accepting or rejecting a political proposition by voting.
Electoral Reforms:
Electoral change can only be referred to as reform if its primary goal is to improve electoral processes, for example, through fostering enhanced impartiality.
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