ELECTION VIOLENCE AND NATIONAL SECURITY: NIGERIA IN PERSPECTIVE

Nigeria’s history of electoral violence threatens its democratic stability and national security. The recurring bloodshed across republics reflects entrenched drivers like ethnic tensions, youth unemployment, godfatherism, and institutional deficiencies. This research examines the critical roles of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies in mitigating electoral unrest and upholding integrity during polls for a stable democracy. The study adopts a qualitative case study approach relying primarily on scholarly articles, reports, and policy documents analyzing these institutions and electoral reforms. While notable reforms occurred, ranging from legislating voting procedures to coordinating security platforms, systematic constraints persist. Partisanship, overburdened mandates, logistical failures, compromised neutrality, and legal uncertainties still enable manipulation and malpractices during elections. Ultimately, this fragility precipitates coups, conflicts, and instability, jeopardizing national security. Thus, reforms must address root deficiencies. Recommendations include streamlining INEC’s expansive duties, strengthening independence through decentralizing appointments, expanding civic education, and enhancing security agencies’ capacity.

Department dc:contributor.department

National Security Affairs (NSA)

Grantor dc:publisher

Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Shehu, Kamaruddeen

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Matei, Cristiana
• Halladay, Carolyn C.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10945/72761

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:calhoun.nps.edu:10945/72761