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Elections, Governance, And Democracy in Nigeria

by 
   Lucky Nwaoburu,    Anthony Egobueze,
Volume :  14 | Issue :  02 | Received :  January 2, 2024 | Accepted :  May 1, 2024 | Published :  June 20, 2024

[This article belongs to Omni Science: A Multi-disciplinary Journal(osmj)]

Keywords

Democracy, democratic process, election, governance, INEC

Abstract

This paper investigated elections, governance, and democracy in Nigeria. Since independence in 1960, the State has continued to make significant progress towards democratization. Elections, which have served as a vehicle for conveying the interest of the people have been marred by irregularities, such as; voter intimidation, violence, and other allegations of fraud. These issues significantly undermine public trust in the electoral process, ruining its credibility and weakening the structures that ought to serve as a brace for functional institutions that aid the establishment of true democracy. Therefore, the paper analyzed the gap in governance and the subsequent frail democratic process that persists, bringing to bear the aftermath of a consistent systemic failure arising from the inability to prioritize national integration instead of personal interests. The data collection and analysis method used in this research is the documentary research design and analysis. The paper noted that democracy has been in disarray in Nigeria due to fraud and irregularities that characterize elections leading to bad governance. The paper recommended the adoption of governance practices that align with democratic best practices across the globe. This research work touches every necessary facet of the Nigerian electoral practices and governance. The wrongs and way of corrections if adopted into the democratic pattern of governance in the country. Not disputing the fact that Africa has a dilemma in adopting and practicalizing a true democratic system of government. Hence, this paper has provided several recommendations for proper government practices and leadership patterns that can synchronize with the best practices of democracy all over the world.

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