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Articles

CUJPIA: VOL. 13 NO. 2, DECEMBER 2025

Electoral Administration and the Role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections

Submitted
January 25, 2026
Published
2025-12-31

Abstract

This study examined Electoral Administration and the Role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria’s 2023 General Elections, with a focus on how the commission’s institutional framework, technological innovations, and operational strategies influenced the credibility of the electoral process. The objective was to assess the extent to which INEC’s performance shaped public perceptions of democratic governance in Nigeria. The research was guided by Electoral Governance Theory, which emphasised the dimensions of rule-making, rule application, and rule adjudication, providing a framework for evaluating electoral management effectiveness. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, relying on document analysis of official INEC reports, legal instruments such as the Electoral Act 2022, credible media publications, and scholarly literature on electoral administration in Nigeria. This approach enabled a contextual understanding of the interplay between institutional design, electoral technology including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV)—and the operational realities of the 2023 general elections. Findings revealed that while INEC introduced significant technological reforms aimed at improving transparency, inconsistencies in
technology deployment, logistical delays, allegations of voter suppression, and weak enforcement of electoral laws undermined public trust in the process. Political tensions and widespread contestations of results reflected deep-seated concerns about the commission’s operational independence and effectiveness. The study recommended strengthening INEC’s autonomy, ensuring uniform technology deployment nationwide, and enhancing staff training and logistics management. These measures were deemed essential to restoring credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process and consolidating democratic governance.

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