Credible Elections in Nigeria: A Study of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Performance

This research paper examines the performance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria, focusing on its role in promoting credible elections. The conduct of credible elections remains central to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Since its establishment in 1998, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been saddled with the constitutional responsibility of organizing and supervising elections across the federation. Despite numerous reforms and the introduction of electoral technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), questions still persist about the credibility of Nigerian elections. Through a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews with stakeholders, the research assesses the effectiveness of INEC's strategies and reforms aimed at enhancing electoral credibility. The study investigates the historical context of electoral processes in Nigeria, identifying key challenges faced by INEC, including issues of transparency, voter education, and electoral integrity. Anchored on the Democratic Consolidation Theory, the study explores the historical evolution, structure, mandate, achievements, and persistent challenges of INEC. It further assesses case studies of general elections from 1999 to 2023, comparing Nigeria’s experience with other African democracies such as Ghana and South Africa. Findings reveal significant progress in certain areas, yet persistent obstacles remain, impacting public trust in the electoral system. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy improvements and stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the necessity for a robust electoral framework to ensure future electoral integrity in Nigeria.