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INEC AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA’S FOURTH REPUBLIC:  THE 2015 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN PERSPECTIVE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1    Background of the Study

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plays a pivotal role in the administration of elections in Nigeria, a country that has experienced significant political transformations since the establishment of its Fourth Republic in 1999. This period marked Nigeria's transition from prolonged military rule to a civilian government, with the 2015 general elections standing out as a critical moment in the country's democratic journey (Kew, 2010).

The 2015 general elections in Nigeria are particularly noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, they represented a milestone in Nigeria's democratic evolution, characterized by the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another since independence. The elections saw the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) concede defeat to General Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This peaceful transition was hailed domestically and internationally as a significant step forward for democracy in Nigeria, demonstrating the maturity and resilience of the country’s democratic institutions (Lewis, 2011).

INEC's role in this process was instrumental. Established to conduct and supervise elections in Nigeria, INEC faced numerous challenges in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections. These challenges included logistical difficulties, issues of voter registration, and the pervasive threat of electoral violence (Omotola, 2013). However, the commission introduced several reforms aimed at improving the electoral process. Notably, the introduction of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and the use of card readers for voter accreditation were significant innovations intended to reduce electoral fraud and enhance the integrity of the electoral process (Okonji, 2015).

Despite these advancements, the 2015 elections were not without their flaws. Reports of logistical challenges, technical difficulties with the card readers, and isolated incidents of violence and irregularities underscored the ongoing challenges INEC faced. Nevertheless, the overall conduct of the elections was widely regarded as an improvement over previous polls, highlighting the progress made by INEC in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework (Olurode, 2013).

The 2015 general elections thus serve as a crucial case study in understanding the complexities and dynamics of electoral administration in Nigeria. They offer insights into the successes and shortcomings of INEC’s efforts to ensure credible elections and underscore the importance of continued reforms and capacity building within the commission (Jega, 2014). As Nigeria continues to consolidate its democracy, the lessons learned from the 2015 elections will be vital in shaping future electoral processes and enhancing the

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