Towards Early Voting in Nigeria’s Elections: Prospects

and Challenges
Introduction
In almost all the countries of the world, series of activities and events, which invariably increase
the tempo of the political environment, always describe election periods. More apparently, this
phenomenon is common in both developed – such as the United States of America – and
developing countries like Nigeria where democracy seems not to exist, though it is being
practiced. A fact to be taken with little or no restraint, according to Osabiya (2019), is that
democracy is often ascribed to development, although this could otherwise be proven in its vice-
versa form. Most developed countries of the world operate a democracy and this very fact makes
the adoption of democracy and subsequent democratization, a goal for most of the less developed
nations (Osabiya, 2019).

Meanwhile, one important strand that defines the true nature of democracy is election; that is,
participatory election, where everybody is given equal chance of representation. Unfortunately,
Nigeria’s elections have so far upset the foundation upon which democracy is made due to
election rigging (Ojie, 2006). Nigeria, undoubtedly, is in the category where election
management is less successful (Jawan, 2011). The rules guiding elections are vague, ever
changing or easily manipulated; the electoral regulations and rules is institutionally less
effective; the political bigwigs are the gladiators in their conduct; hence the electorates are often
powerless as they live in the mercy of the political stalwarts and political outcomes (Jawan,
2011). The political barons, who have special interest, impose unpopular candidates and employ
every form of political gimmick to influence the election in their favours against the general will
of the people (Ojie, 2006).

Apart from the irregularities that usually characterize Nigeria’s elections, not everybody is given
chance of participation. That is, they are cunningly disenfranchised under the disguise of
working as electoral officials, security personnel, and the like.

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