A PROGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF IMPLICATIONS OF INCONCLUSIVE ELECTIONS ON DEMOCRACY IN NIGERIA, 2019 AND BEYOND

Abstract

Democracy is adjudged the best form of government across the globe. Nigeria returned to democratic governance in May 1999 after many years of military rule. Since the reemergence of democracy in Nigeria, specifically from 2015 when Mohammed Yakubu became the chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission, the issue of inconclusive election has become more pronounced and worrisome. This study examined the implications of the trending issue of inconclusive election on the nascent democracy in Nigeria with specific focus on the national electoral body (INEC) and the conduct of 2019 general election. The study interrogated the following research question: is the spate of inconclusive re-run elections recorded by the national electoral body a threat to democracy in Nigeria? The broad objective of the study is to examine the implication of inconclusive election syndrome for Nigeria’s democracy heading towards 2019. Documentary method of data collection which comprised content analysis of books, journal articles, and official documents was adopted. The paper used the theory of the post-colonial state of Nigeria to explain and predict the dilemma of the national body in the conduct of 2019 general elections. The study established that despite the good intentions of the electoral body to conduct the best election in 2019, the reality on ground portends a threat to democracy in Nigeria. The paper recommended among others the re-constitution of the entire electoral body with personalities versed with election management skills.