Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, intended as a milestone in democratic progress, have come under widespread scrutiny. Critics—both domestic and international—point to issues including low voter participation, administrative failures, and questions over transparency, with additional blame directed toward the ruling party.

Although voter registration reached record levels, only 27 per cent of eligible voters ultimately participated—the lowest turnout since the return to democracy in 1999. Observers suggest this reflected a deeper erosion of public confidence in the electoral system.

INEC deployed new technologies, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), to promote transparency. However, both suffered glitches: BVAS devices malfunctioned at certain polling units, and result uploads to IReV were delayed or incomplete, fueling doubts over result integrity.

Delays in delivering election materials and staffing polling units led to late openings and voter confusion. In some instances, polling locations were changed at short notice. These logistical shortcomings drew criticism despite substantial funding and early preparations mandated by the Electoral Act of 2022.

Observers reported armed disruptions and voter intimidation in states including Lagos, Rivers, Delta, and Kano. Such violent incidents and suppression reportedly hindered the ability of citizens to freely exercise their vote.

Reports of vote-buying circulated widely—voters were allegedly offered cash, food, or other inducements. There were also allegations of collusion involving election officials or security personnel and political agents.

Ahead of the polls, the EU observer mission noted that “divisive rhetoric with ethnic and religious undertones led to increased polarisation,” with violent incidents undermining a fair campaign environment.

Analysts and observers highlighted that the ruling party “benefited from the violence and fraud” in polls, suggesting systemic flaws were exploited for political advantage.

These criticisms suggest that structural and political dynamics favoured the ruling party, potentially compromising the fairness of the process.

Thabo Mbeki, Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group, acknowledged logistical and technical issues but commended voters’ resilience. “We congratulate all Nigerians for their determination, patience and resilience displayed throughout the electoral process,” he said, while calling for disputes to be resolved through legal means.

Barry Andrews, Chief Observer, was more direct: “Public confidence and trust in INEC were severely damaged … due to lack of transparency and operational failures.”

The mission warned that violence and intimidation had disrupted electoral participation and issued several reform recommendations—including clearer legislation, transparent result publication, and stronger governance of election offenses.

Between procedural breakdowns, intimidation, vote-buying, and partisan interference, public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions faces a serious threat. Analysts warn that without systemic reforms and improved electoral integrity, trust in future elections may continue to deteriorate.

Emeka, a public affairs commentator, writes from the U.S