Security and Electoral Integrity: An Appraisal of selected security agencies During the 2023 Presidential Elections in Oyo State

Abstract

This study examines the role of selected security agencies - the Nigeria Police Force, Military, and Civil Defence Corps - in securing the 2023 presidential elections in Oyo State, with a focus on their impact on electoral integrity and democratic consolidation. Employing a qualitative approach, the research analyses security management strategies, challenges, and outcomes in comparison with previous election cycles. Findings reveal that while the deployment of multiple security agencies mitigated large-scale violence and ensured relative order, issues of partisan conduct, voter intimidation, and excessive militarization undermined public confidence in the electoral process. The study highlights the delicate balance between maintaining security and safeguarding civil liberties in Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Recommendations include enhanced training, institutional reforms, and improved oversight mechanisms to strengthen the neutrality and effectiveness of security agencies in future elections. This appraisal contributes to understanding the critical nexus between security and democratic governance in Nigeria.