Repeated electoral irregularities in Nigerian elections. Explaining Nigeria's seven quadrennial election cycles

Academic Paper in the subject Politics - Region: Africa, University of Nigeria (Department of Political Science), course: Political Science, language: English, abstract: Imagine a nation grappling with the very foundations of its democracy, where the promise of free and fair elections is perpetually undermined. This book delves into the heart of Nigeria's electoral challenges, exposing the cyclical pattern of electoral irregularities that have plagued the nation's democratic journey. It uncovers how poor election administration fuels recurring fatal election violence, contested election outcomes, and a disheartening decline in voter turnout across seven quadrennial national election cycles. Through the lens of institutional theory, the study meticulously analyzes the negative impact of these irregularities on the core tenets of democratic elections, dissecting the roles and responsibilities of key institutions such as electoral management bodies, security agencies, and the courts. By employing mixed qualitative research strategies and scrutinizing national election data on election-related fatalities, litigations, and voter turnout, the book identifies critical patterns and correlations, revealing the intricate relationships between various manifestations of irregularities and their detrimental effects on the overall quality of Nigerian elections. It assesses the effectiveness of government-led electoral reforms implemented over time, questioning whether these efforts have truly addressed the underlying issues or merely provided temporary relief. Furthermore, the book offers a comparative analysis, contrasting Nigeria's experiences with those of other African nations, providing invaluable insights into the broader challenges of democratic consolidation and electoral integrity across the continent. Discover the factors that contribute to democratic backsliding and the resource curse, while exploring alternative approaches for strengthening electoral processes and fostering greater public trust. This comprehensive exploration is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of electoral governance, the dynamics of political violence, and the struggle for democratic progress in Nigeria and beyond. Unearth the truth behind the headlines and gain a deeper understanding of the forces shaping Nigeria's electoral destiny. Keywords: Electoral irregularities, election violence, contested elections, voter turnout, electoral reforms, electoral institutions, Nigeria, institutional theory, democratic backsliding, resource curse. The study compares trends across three distinct periods (pre-2011, 2011 reform implementation, and post-2011) to analyze the impact of electoral reforms.