NIGERIA’S ELECTORAL POLICY AND IMPACT IN DEMOCRATIC SUSTAINABILITY: THE SOCIAL CONTRACT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This study examines Nigeria's electoral policy and its roles in sustaining democratic governance from the perspective of social contract theory. The theory emphasizes that government legitimacy is derived from the consent of the people, expressed primarily through credible and participatory elections. The study explores how electoral policies influence democratic sustainability in Nigeria and identifies challenges affecting their implementation. Using a qualitative approach and secondary sources of data, the study finds that while electoral reforms have improved the electoral process, challenges such as electoral malpractice, vote buying, political interference, and voter apathy continue to undermine democratic development and sustainability. Content analysis and logical inference was the tool used for analyzing this study. The study concludes that effective electoral policies are essential for strengthening public trust, political participation, and democratic stability. It recommends the strengthening of electoral institutions, strict enforcement of electoral laws, and continuous electoral reforms to enhance democratic sustainability in Nigeria.