Voters’ Education: A Tool for Credible Election in Nigeria

Abstract

The transition from military dictatorship to democracy, Nigeria-state has experienced various electoral misconducts since with twenty-one (21) years of continuous democratic governance in the fourth republic which began in 1999, but not yet developed any acceptable democratic culture. This can be seen in the high level of voter’s unwillingness to vote during the 2007, 2011 and especially 2019 general elections, which many agreed were “deeply flawed” and accompanied by vote rigging, theft of ballot boxes and violence. It is voter’s willingness that paved ways for politicians to manipulate the process of voter’s registration during 2003, 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 general elections in Nigeria. It is evident that voters do not know their rights, not properly guided in terms of voting and such voters are not protected. However, the 2019 general election was characterized by vote rigging, buying, violence, theft of ballot boxes, logistics etc. Therefore, this paper discussed the importance of voters’ education in credible elections and its challenges. The study concluded by stating the need for viable or credible electoral system, establishment of Electoral Crime Commission charge with the responsibility of punishing electoral offenders for vote buying.