Vol. 12(1), pp. 71 -75. May, 2024. 

ISSN: 2360-784X

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijpsd2024200

 

Full Length Research

 

Abstract

This groundbreaking study scrutinizes the alarming rate of electoral malpractices and the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) handling of court rulings in Nigeria. The main objective of this research was to investigate the impact of electoral malpractices on Nigeria's democracy. This study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining survey questionnaires, key informant interviews, and documentary analysis. Primary data was collected from 384 respondents and secondary data from INEC, National Assembly, Anambra State Government, civil society organizations, and academic literature. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 for quantitative data and NVivo 12 for qualitative data, guided by the Democratic Erosion Theory (Levitsky & Ziblatt, 2018). The study revealed widespread electoral violence, vote-buying, and voter intimidation undermine Nigeria's democratic process, INEC's failure to prosecute electoral offenders despite court rulings perpetuates impunity, and lack of accountability within INEC compromises electoral integrity. The study recommends comprehensive electoral reform legislation to address impunity and ensure accountability, strict sanctions for INEC officials disobeying court orders, and enhanced civic engagement and voter education programs. This study exposes the entrenched electoral malpractices and INEC's complicity in undermining Nigeria's democracy. Urgent reforms are imperative to prevent democratic erosion. We must rise above these challenges and entrench democratic principles. As Nelson Mandela aptly stated, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Nigeria must rise.

 

Keywords: Electoral Malpractices, INEC, Democratic Erosion, Accountability, Nigeria, Electoral Integrity.

 

	Cite This Article As: Orie, S.O. (2024). Critical Examination of the Profound Challenge of Today's Recurring Cases of Electoral Offences and Mockery of Democracy in Nigeria: Disregard for Court Rulings by INEC. Int. J. Polit. Sci. Develop. 12(1):71-75