The tragedy of the umpire: the electoral management body and Nigeria’s 2019 general elections

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article analyses the challenges of election management in Nigeria as they relate to the integrity of the 2019 elections. As required of a true democracy, the independence of the Election Management Body (EMB) is a vital ingredient for credible elections. Although appearing independent in name, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by its structure lacks sufficient independence from the political elite and competing groups. The dependent structure of the EMB makes the agency vulnerable to manipulation and this represents a major liability in the process of strengthening the quality of elections in Nigeria. This article argues that the problem concerning the structure of the INEC contributed to the controversial outcomes of the 2019 elections.