The Challenges of Conducting and Managing Presidential Elections in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Abstract

The integrity and legitimacy of presidential elections are significantly shaped by electoral management within the framework of Nigeria's democratic development. Nigeria's electoral history since the return to civil rule in 1999 has been marked by both successes and failures, illustrating the challenges of governing a big and diverse country (Ekundayo, 2015). The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders play a crucial role in guaranteeing free and fair elections, but they face numerous obstacles, including political meddling, logistical inefficiencies, and security risks. This study investigates the effects these issues have on election integrity and the democratic process as a whole. The efficiency of current election management is evaluated in this research using both qualitative and quantitative analysis. This study advances knowledge of best practices for holding free and fair presidential elections in Nigeria and adds to the conversation on electoral reforms. In the end, the results highlight the necessity of all-encompassing approaches that include community engagement, accountability, and openness in order to improve the electoral process and rebuild public confidence in the democratic system.