Abstract
This paper examines election rigging and its effect on democratic consolidation in Nigeria relying on qualitative approach, using data gathered from secondary sources. It will be analyzed via content and historical analysis. Election riggings in Nigeria have dealt a huge blow to the development of democracy in Nigeria. Nigeria’s elections so far have not live up to expectations due to various forms of electoral manipulations which have denied the country credible free and fair elections in her body politic. Election rigging has not only marred democratic consolidation in Nigeria but has also violated the fundamental human right (right to life) of so many Nigerians. Election riggings since independence reviewed in this paper will be our bench mark. The study found that election riggings in Nigeria have resulted into the imposition of corrupt and illegitimate leaders who have no regard to the principles of democracy which are off-shoots for good governance, rule of law, constitutionalism and fundamental human rights. This paper provides some important recommendations that would serve as a panacea to the problems of election riggings and how those measures can help necessitate a democratic environment which is a precondition for free and fair elections.
Highlights
We are going to look into all the histories of election rigging in Nigeria from 1960 to 2007 and how they have hindered the emergence of democratic consolidation in Nigeria
Amidst the tension that gripped the country resulting from political instability that was emanated from the winner of the said election who threatened mutiny if not given mandate in a election he won with great margin, General Ibrahim Babangida stepped aside and handed over the government to an Interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan but this was a mere gimmick to usher in another military government as General Babangida’s second in command, General Sani Abacha dethroned the Interim government and ruled until he died in power
All Peoples Party (APP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD) came into alliance and fronted Chief Olu Falae who competed with Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer, former military Head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo who later won the election
Summary
We are going to look into all the histories of election rigging in Nigeria from 1960 to 2007 and how they have hindered the emergence of democratic consolidation in Nigeria. Politics is seen as the only game in town, and it was played with deadly seriousness for the winner won everything and the loser lost everything This quest to win election by all means has claimed the lives of both the electorates and some popular candidates by some hoodlums who want to control the government by dubious means. As a result, those who have the interest of Nigerians at heart have resorted to shun politics for fear of facing a sudden death in the process and this has posed a serious threat to Nigerian democracy and its consolidation. These trends have undermined the chances of successful elections and consolidation of democracy in Nigeria
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