ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA: ANALYSIS OF THE 2011 AND 2015 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS IN EDO STATE

Abstract

In every democratic society, leaders are elected through the instrumentality of election. Before independence, elections have been conducted in Nigeria to elect representatives of the people. The study analyzed the 2011 and 2015 presidential elections and the level of citizens’ involvements. It also assessed the various challenges in conducting the elections. This   study undertook a critical examination of management of elections by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with special reference to 2011 and 2015 presidential election. The survey method was deployed in the cause of this study and data was analyzed using the percentage and descriptive method of data analysis. Findings from the study revealed that incessant electoral fraud over the years characterized Nigerian elections  but was  drastically reduced in both elections but more effective in  2015 presidential election than 2011 presidential election dues to digital capture machines introduced by (INEC)  as against analog (manual) used in 2011.This study Comparatively revealed  that, in 2015, election violence was at minimum as against 2011 election which resulted in massive election violence in the Northern zone of Nigeria which led to loss  of public confidence. The situation was however managed efficiently in 2015 with special reference to presidential election in Edo State. The study recommend among others that electoral personnel should be well trained on how to handle data capture machines, eligible voters should be enlightened on how to vote in the polling unit, elections should be cancelled on polling units where ballot boxes are snatched. Also, critical stakeholders and citizens should be educated on purpose and benefits of violence free elections in the country.