Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections

A Bumpy Road Ahead

Abstract

This article is an empirical outlook on the dynamics of the 2019 general elections in Nigeria. It is motivated by the suspension of February 16, 2019, schedule of elections. Against the background of the chequered nature of the electoral process in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, the article examines some variables that might impinge on the outcome of the 2019 general elections. These include the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as an umpire, the increment in the voters’ roll, backlash of party primaries, the entrance of new political parties, meddlesomeness in the electoral process by the incumbent administration, and the spiraling violence underlined by the activities of Boko Haram and farmers-herdsmen conflict. The objective here is to highlight aspects of our political reality to enable us to navigate the charged political atmosphere. Based on historical antecedents, the article argues that the above-mentioned factors can affect voter turnout and the electoral outcome.