Elections are a fundamental aspect of democracy, serving as the mechanism through which leaders are chosen and power is transferred. In Nigeria, elections are conducted at regular intervals, with general elections taking place every four years since the return to democratic rule in 1999. These elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), include presidential, gubernatorial, National Assembly, and State Assembly elections. However, electoral malpractices have been a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s democratic process, undermining the credibility of elections and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Electoral malpractices refer to illegal actions committed by individuals, political parties, or government officials to influence election outcomes unfairly. These illegal actions include vote rigging, ballot box snatching, multiple voting, underage voting, disenfranchisement, vote buying, ballot stuffing, and falsification of election results.
Several factors cause electoral malpractices in Nigeria, and each plays a role in distorting the democratic process. One of the primary reasons for electoral fraud is corruption. Nigeria has long struggled with systemic corruption, which extends into its electoral system. Corrupt politicians, election officials, and security personnel often engage in illegal activities such as result manipulation and bribery to secure electoral victories. Desperate politicians offer financial incentives to officials who alter election results in their favor. This corruption has led to widespread election litigations, with many elections nullified due to proven cases of malpractice. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded numerous annulled elections in states like Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Ekiti, Kogi, Ondo, and Osun, highlighting the extent of the problem.
Another critical factor is the presence of loopholes in the electoral system and process. The electoral framework in Nigeria is not foolproof, allowing politicians and their agents to exploit weaknesses for electoral fraud. For instance, during the 2023 general elections, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which was introduced to enhance election integrity, had vulnerabilities that were exploited. Unlike previous systems that required a voter’s card to be physically scanned, BVAS only required a Voter Identification Number (VIN) and the physical presence of the voter for accreditation. This loophole enabled individuals to vote without presenting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), thus facilitating illegal voting practices. Had BVAS been configured to verify PVCs through sensor technology, such malpractice could have been mitigated. The existence of these flaws in the electoral process enables dishonest politicians to manipulate elections to their advantage.
The use of ad-hoc staff during elections also contributes significantly to electoral malpractices. Due to the vast population and geographic size of Nigeria, INEC relies on temporary staff to conduct elections. These ad-hoc staff members are often poorly trained and do not have a strong sense of ownership over the election process. Their limited understanding of electoral guidelines makes them susceptible to manipulation by corrupt politicians. Some of them, motivated by financial inducements, willingly participate in election rigging by allowing multiple voting, turning a blind eye to ballot stuffing, or falsifying results. The reliance on inadequately trained personnel weakens the electoral process and creates opportunities for malpractice.
Ethnic sentiments further fuel electoral fraud in Nigeria. Given the country’s diverse ethnic composition, elections often become a contest of ethnic dominance rather than a fair democratic process. In some cases, electoral officials manipulate results to favor candidates from their ethnic backgrounds without any financial motivation. The 2023 general elections saw instances where voters from specific ethnic groups were intimidated and prevented from voting. In Lagos, there were reports of threats against voters who intended to support candidates from opposition parties. Similarly, cases of ballot stuffing in favor of a particular ethnic candidate have been recorded in previous elections, such as the 2011 presidential election in Anambra State. In some regions, underage voters are registered and allowed to vote to boost the electoral strength of a particular ethnic group. These actions undermine the principle of free and fair elections and perpetuate ethnic divisions.
A major reason for the persistence of electoral malpractices in Nigeria is the lack of prosecution for electoral offenders. Many individuals who engage in electoral fraud operate with impunity, knowing that they are unlikely to face legal consequences. Election riggers, ballot box snatchers, and vote buyers often walk free, enjoying the financial rewards of their illegal activities. The failure to prosecute electoral offenders encourages others to engage in malpractice, as they do not fear punishment. If electoral crimes were met with swift and strict legal consequences, it would serve as a deterrent and reduce the prevalence of such acts in future elections.
Poverty is another significant driver of electoral fraud in Nigeria. With approximately 40% of the population living below the poverty line, according to the World Bank, many Nigerians struggle to meet their basic needs. In such dire economic conditions, desperate voters are easily influenced by financial incentives from politicians. Politicians exploit this vulnerability by engaging in vote buying, offering money, food, or other material benefits in exchange for votes. This practice undermines the integrity of elections, as voters prioritize immediate financial gain over the long-term impact of their electoral choices. The commercialization of votes ensures that only the wealthiest candidates, rather than the most qualified, secure electoral victories.
Widespread illiteracy and ignorance further exacerbate electoral malpractices in Nigeria. Many voters are unaware of what constitutes an electoral offense, making them susceptible to manipulation. Some do not understand the importance of protecting their votes or reporting electoral fraud when they witness it. In some cases, voters willingly surrender their PVCs to politicians without understanding the implications. The lack of voter education allows corrupt politicians to exploit ignorance for electoral gain. A more informed electorate would be better equipped to resist election fraud and demand accountability from politicians and electoral officials.
Desperation for power among politicians is another major contributor to electoral malpractices. The intense competition for political positions, particularly when an incumbent is seeking re-election, often leads to unethical practices. Politicians use all available means—legal or illegal—to secure victory. This desperation manifests in various forms, including hiring political thugs to intimidate voters, bribing election officials, and falsifying results. The stakes are particularly high for incumbents, who may resort to electoral fraud to maintain their grip on power. The culture of "winning at all costs" undermines the democratic process and erodes public confidence in elections.
Political apathy also plays a role in the persistence of electoral malpractices. Many Nigerians, especially those from the middle class, show little interest in political participation. This indifference creates an environment where election rigging goes unchallenged. When educated and politically aware citizens disengage from the electoral process, corrupt politicians find it easier to manipulate elections without opposition. If more Nigerians actively participated in elections and monitored the voting process, it would be harder for politicians to engage in electoral fraud. Civic engagement is crucial in holding political actors accountable and ensuring electoral integrity.
The prevalence of electoral malpractices in Nigeria poses a significant threat to democracy. It distorts the electoral process, undermines public trust, and weakens democratic institutions. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening electoral laws, closing loopholes in the electoral system, prosecuting electoral offenders, increasing voter education, and addressing economic hardship. Without meaningful reforms, electoral malpractices will continue to plague Nigeria’s democracy, hindering the country’s progress toward free, fair, and credible elections.
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