Electoral democracy and the breakdown of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria: Issues, challenges, and lessons learned
Author(s): Gbolahan Solomon Osho, Lois Blyden, Michael Adams and Modupe Ojumu
Abstract: The credibility of elections remains a cornerstone of democratic consolidation, yet Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election highlighted the fragility of electoral democracy in Africa’s most populous nation. Despite legal reforms under the Electoral Act 2022 and the introduction of technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), the polls generated widespread controversy. This study critically examines the 2023 election, focusing on the issues, challenges, and lessons it presents for Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. Using a qualitative, descriptive-analytical design, the study draws from official documents, observer mission reports, judicial rulings, and scholarly literature. Findings reveal that institutional weaknesses, technological failures, political manipulation, and socio-economic barriers converged to undermine electoral credibility. INEC’s operational lapses and the breakdown of IReV during presidential result uploads eroded public trust. Political elites exploited incumbency advantage, vote buying, and ethno-religious polarization, while insecurity and disillusionment contributed to historically low voter turnout. The consequences included declining citizen trust, heightened polarization, the judicialization of electoral legitimacy, and a diminished international perception of Nigeria as a democratic leader in Africa. The study concludes that while reforms have created opportunities, they remain undermined by weak institutions and entrenched elite interests. Lessons from the 2023 election underscore the need to strengthen INEC’s autonomy, improve technological reliability, enhance judicial independence, and expand civic education. Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic future depends on restoring electoral legitimacy through institutional credibility, political accountability, and inclusive participation.
DOI: 10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i11b.752Pages: 123-137 | Views: 60 | Downloads: 4Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Gbolahan Solomon Osho, Lois Blyden, Michael Adams, Modupe Ojumu.
Electoral democracy and the breakdown of the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria: Issues, challenges, and lessons learned. Int J Political Sci Governance 2025;7(11):123-137. DOI:
10.33545/26646021.2025.v7.i11b.752
