EMPIRICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS TO CREDIBILITY OF 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the contributions of foreign election observer missions to the credibility of 2023 general elections in Nigeria. Election observation has gained traction as an important mechanism that helps ensure credibility of the electoral process. The study, therefore, sought to determine ways in which previous independent assessment of electoral process by foreign observer missions discouraged manipulation of results of 2023 general elections in Nigeria, examine how foreign election observers’ presence deterred voters’ intimidation, as well as how global reach of foreign election observer missions ensured neutrality of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the election. Anchored on the Theory of Institutionalism, the study adopted descriptive design as well as documentary method to collate secondary data. Content analysis method was adopted for data analysis. Findings by the study revealed that regardless of their presence, global reach, and the fact that the foreign election observer missions produce independent assessment of the electoral process with far-reaching implications, the 2023 general elections in Nigeria were marred by significant allegations of result falsification, intimidation of voters and noticeable bias within the Independent National Electoral Commission. Consequently, the study, among other things, recommended the need for urgent legislation recognising assessment by foreign observer missions as one of the legal bedrocks for election-related litigations and prosecution of offenders.