Electoral Violence and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines electoral violence and its implications for the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. Having returned to democratic governance in 1999, Nigeria’s elections have been marred by violence, thereby underscoring the tenets of free and fair elections and democratic consolidation. This paper identifies the causes, dynamic manifestations, and implications of electoral violence adopting the political economy as its theoretical framework for analysis. The paper concludes that, electoral violence constitutes a serious threat to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria; as it undermines the electoral process, weakens public confidence in democratic institutions, and perpetuates a cycle of instability and mistrust. It also concludes that; the consolidation of democracy requires a multi-faceted approach in order to strengthen the autonomy and capacity of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections. Ultimately, the process to achieve democratic consolidation in Nigeria is a collective responsibility; where the political leaders, civil society, security agencies, and the entire populace must come together to reject violence and embrace the principles of democracy. It is only by ensuring that elections are deemed free, fair and peaceful that Nigeria can fully achieve the much-needed potential of democratic consolidation for its socio-economic development and national integration.

Keywords: Election, Democracy, Electoral Violence, Democratic Consolidation, Political Economy