- Akdeniz Havzası ve Afrika Medeniyetleri Dergisi
- Vol: 5 Issue: 1
- MILITARIZATION OF ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: A BANE OF DEMOCRATIC GROWTH
MILITARIZATION OF ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: A BANE OF DEMOCRATIC GROWTH
Authors : Ovigwe EGUEGU, Maryanne IWARA
Pages : 5-18
Doi:10.54132/akaf.1311265
View : 24 | Download : 36
Publication Date : 2023-06-25
Article Type : Research Article
Abstract :Since the return to democracy in 1999, elections in Nigeria have been an integral component of the democratization process and a necessary exercise for good governance. However, in successive elections, the procedures and periods of electioneering have often been fraught with threats and risks of electoral violence, which has significantly contributed to undoing long and hard-fought democratic gains. Furthermore, incumbent leaders have been accused of using state power to intimidate opposition candidates and their support base, with election processes being abused by some African governments to impose undemocratic practices. This paper focuses on the role of the military in influencing elections in Nigeria. It uses the 2019 and 2023 general elections in Nigeria as case studies. This paper argues that using the military in elections not only lacks a constitutional basis but contributes to electoral violence, deaths and destruction of property.Keywords : Nijerya, Demokrasi, Askeri, Seçimler