Inconclusive Gubernatorial Elections and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

Texte Universitaire , 2023 , 25 Pages

Politique - Région: Afrique

This study investigates how irregularity-ridden inconclusive gubernatorial elections (IGEs) undermined the practice of democracy within the context of Nigeria. It contends that Nigerian leaders primarily seek power for their lots against the service-driven notion of politics. They achieve this by controlling major electoral institutions and ensuring their unending 'tomic' autonomy. Data are collected using a documentary method and analysed using content analysis.

The analysis reveals that the IGEs have become a new tool for election manipulation in Nigeria against the democratic principle of free choice. It further reveals that the perceived benefits associated with public offices heighten the unbridled quest for power in Nigeria, which suggests the need for bottom-up (voter-driven) electoral reform, in which the consideration of margin of lead should be based on voters with permanent voter cards/voter turnout as against the prevailing shady registered voters.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Abstract
• Introduction
• The concept and legality of inconclusive elections in Nigeria
• Objectives of the study

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study investigates the relationship between inconclusive gubernatorial elections (IGEs) and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. It examines how irregularities in elections undermine democratic practices and explores the factors contributing to this issue. The study utilizes a documentary method and content analysis to analyze the data.

• The impact of inconclusive gubernatorial elections on Nigerian democracy.
• The role of electoral irregularities and violence in producing inconclusive elections.
• The legal framework surrounding inconclusive elections in Nigeria.
• The implications of IGEs for voter participation and multiparty competition.
• Potential avenues for electoral reform in Nigeria.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Abstract: This study examines how irregularity-ridden inconclusive gubernatorial elections (IGEs) in Nigeria undermine democratic practices. It argues that Nigerian leaders prioritize self-interest over public service, manipulating electoral institutions to maintain power. Using a documentary method and content analysis, the study reveals that IGEs are a tool for election manipulation, hindering free choice. The perceived benefits of public office fuel the pursuit of power, suggesting a need for voter-driven electoral reform based on verified voter turnout rather than questionable voter registration figures.

Introduction: This chapter sets the stage by outlining the context of electoral democracy in Nigeria since the late 1990s. While national-level transitions have been relatively smooth, sub-national executive power transitions are plagued by irregularities and violence, leading to protracted litigation and off-cycle elections. The chapter contrasts the relatively seamless presidential transitions with the frequent and problematic gubernatorial elections, highlighting the inconsistency in democratic practices. The chapter further discusses the prevalence of electoral irregularities and violence in African elections and their incompatibility with competitive multiparty systems. It introduces the study's focus on inconclusive gubernatorial elections, their frequency, and their negative impact on democratic consolidation, specifically examining the period before and after 2011 when the first case of an IGEs was recorded in Imo State. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of studying subnational elections due to their increasing voter participation, the governors' significant power, and their intermediary role between national and local politics.

The concept and legality of inconclusive elections in Nigeria: This section delves into the definition and legal status of inconclusive elections in Nigeria. It addresses arguments that IGEs are unconstitutional, emphasizing that while not explicitly stated, they are implicitly addressed in sections of the 1999 Constitution which detail election requirements for presidential and gubernatorial offices. The chapter explains that when the first round of a multiparty election fails to produce a clear winner due to irregularities, supplementary elections become necessary, leading to the declaration of the initial election as inconclusive. The focus is on the constitutional requirements for a valid election and the implications of not meeting those requirements.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Inconclusive gubernatorial elections, electoral irregularities, democratic consolidation, voter participation, election manipulation, Nigeria, electoral reform, multiparty competition, 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

Frequently Asked Questions: Inconclusive Gubernatorial Elections in Nigeria

What is the main topic of this study?

This study investigates the relationship between inconclusive gubernatorial elections (IGEs) and democratic consolidation in Nigeria. It examines how electoral irregularities undermine democratic practices and explores contributing factors, focusing on the period before and after 2011 when the first IGE was recorded.

What are the key themes explored in the study?

Key themes include the impact of IGEs on Nigerian democracy; the role of electoral irregularities and violence in producing inconclusive elections; the legal framework surrounding IGEs; the implications of IGEs for voter participation and multiparty competition; and potential avenues for electoral reform.

What methodology is used in this study?

The study employs a documentary method and content analysis to analyze data related to inconclusive gubernatorial elections in Nigeria.

What is the central argument of the study?

The study argues that irregularity-ridden IGEs undermine democratic practices in Nigeria, suggesting that Nigerian leaders prioritize self-interest over public service, manipulating electoral institutions to maintain power. It posits that IGEs are a tool for election manipulation, hindering free choice, and calls for voter-driven electoral reform based on verified voter turnout.

What are the key findings regarding the concept and legality of inconclusive elections in Nigeria?

The study examines the definition and legal status of inconclusive elections, arguing that while not explicitly stated, they are implicitly addressed in the 1999 Constitution. It explains that when the first round of an election fails to produce a clear winner due to irregularities, supplementary elections become necessary, leading to the initial election being declared inconclusive. The focus is on the constitutional requirements for a valid election and the implications of not meeting those requirements.

How does the study compare national and subnational elections in Nigeria?

The study contrasts relatively smooth national-level transitions with frequent and problematic subnational executive power transitions plagued by irregularities and violence. It highlights the inconsistency in democratic practices and emphasizes the importance of studying subnational elections due to increasing voter participation, governors' significant power, and their intermediary role between national and local politics.

What are the implications of inconclusive gubernatorial elections for democratic consolidation in Nigeria?

The study shows that IGEs significantly hinder democratic consolidation by undermining the legitimacy of the electoral process, reducing voter participation, and limiting multiparty competition. The manipulation of the electoral system for personal gain undermines the principles of free and fair elections, essential for a stable democracy.

What are some potential solutions or recommendations for electoral reform suggested by the study?

The study implicitly suggests a need for voter-driven electoral reform based on verified voter turnout rather than questionable voter registration figures. It highlights the need for addressing electoral irregularities and violence to ensure free and fair elections.

What are the keywords associated with this study?

Inconclusive gubernatorial elections, electoral irregularities, democratic consolidation, voter participation, election manipulation, Nigeria, electoral reform, multiparty competition, 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

• Université: University of Nigeria
• Auteur: Uchenna C. Obiagu (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2023
• Pages: 25
• N° de catalogue: V1379377
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346919267
• ISBN (Livre): 9783346919274
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: elections, electoral irregularities, inconclusive governorship elections, voter participation, nigeria