Nnamdi Azikiwe Journal of Political Science

Electoral Malpractice and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: An Analytical Approach

Secunda Chizobam ONWUHARAONYE — 2024-09-30

This research examines the intrigues that surround the process through which Nigerians elect their leaders periodically and its impacts on the nation's democratic growth and survival. Election is meant to be a process through which the electorate periodically evaluates and appraises the performance of their elected leaders. In this way, they can remove unpopular elected leaders who are found corrupt and nonperforming. On the other hand, they can also reaffirm their support for popular and performing government and elected individuals. But in the history of Nigeria, the reverse has always been the case. Findings have revealed that the electoral will of the masses had often been thwarted by the fraudulent actions of the political class, security agencies, and the electoral umpire, presently known as the "Independent National Electoral Commission" (INEC). Findings have also revealed that elections in Nigeria have always been marred by violence, electoral fraud, vote-buying, manipulations of election results, falsification of election results, and imposition of candidates on the masses. It has also been revealed that the 2023 general election stands out as the worst and most rigged election since the return of democratic rule to Nigeria in 1999. This study adopts Analytical Historical research approach that explores both primary and secondary source materials. This study therefore suggests that there should be a total overhaul of the electoral process. The electoral body (INEC) and the judiciary should be made independent in the real sense of it and given free hand to operate without incumbency influences, and also that electoral offenders should be punished adequately for electoral offences.

Armed conflicts in Sub-Sahara Africa: Impacts on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Tobi Angel KOLAWOLE — 2024-09-30

Armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa have adversely affected the sub-region’s political, economic, social, technological, and health development. The United Nations Development Program’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set to be achieved by 2030, have been significantly impacted by the effects of armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the extent of the impact of armed conflicts in the sub-region and the need for conflict resolution and peacebuilding to achieve the various SDGs set by the United Nations. The introduction provides a historical background on armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines the different causes of armed conflicts and their effects on various aspects of human life in the region. This socio-political analysis elucidates the concept and significance of SDGs and fundamental SDGs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The impact of armed conflicts on specific SDGs, such as poverty and hunger, education and literacy, health and well-being, and gender equality, is discussed in detail. Strategies for addressing the impacts of armed conflicts are explored, including peacebuilding and conflict resolution, humanitarian aid and development assistance, and strengthening governance and institutions. The conclusion summarises the research findings.

Removal of Petrol Subsidies and its Impact for Democratic Governance in Nigeria

Arinze Emmanuel OKONKWO — 2024-09-30

The removal of petrol subsidy in Nigeria has been a contentious issue with profound implications for democratic governance. While it has been argued that subsidy removal will lead to fiscal savings, which could be channelled to infrastructure, education, and health; stimulate the domestic refining sector; and attract foreign investment, it was also observed that the policy has a potential negative impact on the prices of goods, transportation, and the general living condition of the average Nigerian. This paper delves into the socio-economic ramifications of the policy decision and its intricate relationship with democratic governance in Nigeria. The paper adopts a qualitative method, while secondary sources of data were utilised. The paper is anchored on the political economy theory. Findings reveal that measures were not put in place to mitigate the negative effects of the removal of petrol subsidy on the average Nigerian; otherwise, it is a step in the right direction towards economic nationalism and effective democratic governance. Consequently, the paper recommends that there is a need for transparency, public engagement, and prudent management of resources to ensure the benefits of subsidy removal are equitably distributed in order to enhance the democratic ethos of the country.

“Held by the Monsters”: Explaining the Barriers between the Electoral Reforms and the Credibility of 2023 General Elections in Nigeria

Solomon TSOKWA — 2024-09-30

Nigerians and observers considered the 2023 general elections as very critical as it promised to shape the country’s political landscape. For this, it drew significant attention from both local and international observers and provided the implementation platform for the new 2022 Electoral Act that introduced several safety nets for containing electoral frauds and making ways for free and fair elections. Despite the high expectations, several indicators suggest that the elections fell short of substantial compliance and credibility measures. This paper, using the explanatory research design with document analysis and desk review methods of secondary data, examines the key factors that affected the process and, indeed, the credibility of the 2023 elections. The findings reveal that the credibility of the elections was compromised by a combination of logistical failures, technological malfunctions, voter suppression, security challenges, and questions surrounding the integrity of the electoral body. The paper also looks at the implications of such failure for future policy interventions and offers recommendations on how to further strengthen the process.

Disruptions and Governance in a Post Colonial African State: Analysis of Nigerian Experience in Post Covid-19 Pandemic Era, 2020-2024

William E. ODION — 2024-09-30

This paper examined disruptions and their effect in post-colonial African states with the interrogation of the Nigerian experience in the post-pandemic era. The paper situated a post-colonial state and highlighted the characteristics while arguing that disruptions in Nigeria had left disastrous and sour traces. The Nigerian experience with various disruptions highlighted the fact that disruptions were part of the country’s history and the state had always struggled and insisted on addressing the needs and aspirations of the citizens. The discourse extended to the analysis of remedial measures and their sustainability for the transformation of society. It was within this context that four situations in the post-pandemic era were selected for interrogation, its effect on livelihoods, and varied governance responses. Unfortunately, the character of the Nigerian state permitted a number of crises and disruptions that necessarily occurred. While secondary sources were used to gather data used for analysis, the strands of argument posited as objectives of the paper attracted the development of four research questions for interrogation. The paper concluded that the weakness of the state was responsible for its inability to engender hope and aspiration in the citizens.