Election Administration and Reforms in Nigeria's Fourth Republic - (African Governance, Development, and Leadership) by Babayo Sule & Usman Sambo

About the Book

Analyzes the election reforms introduced in Nigeria since 2011 as well as their impact on the outcome of elections.

Book Synopsis

Babayo Sule and Usman Sambo analyse the recent Nigerian election reforms and their impact on the outcome of elections.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of electoral administration in the Fourth Republic of Nigeria (1999-present day) and its regulatory, institutional, and procedural reforms. These reforms will not only be examined in their basic framework, but will also be observed for their credibility, integrity and transparency. This book focuses on how these reforms were developed and how they work. Sule and Sambo argue for fundamental changes in the administration of elections in Nigeria, including the introduction of electronic processes such as the Smart Card Readers in 2015 and Bimodal Verification Accreditation Systems in the 2023 General Elections that have positively impacted the electoral process and integrity, without forgetting the antecedents of the numerous challenges faced during the period. They examine not only technological changes but also constitutional reforms, procedural reforms, and institutional reforms. Introducing a new dimension to the study of elections, the authors provide a clear picture of the roles of all the actors involved, the challenges they faced, the factors that enhanced integrity and credibility and the daunting challenges that continue to affect the success of the elections. Thus, this book presents practical measures and policy implications for an improved process in future elections in Nigeria.

Review Quotes

Babayo Sule and Usman Sambo's Election Administration and Reforms in Nigeria's Fourth Republic is a pertinent and insightful addition to the body of knowledge on democratic governance and electoral integrity in Africa. Based on critical analysis and empirical data, the authors offer a thorough analysis of Nigeria's election reforms' trajectory between 1999 and 2025, bridging the gap between academic research and policy significance with its lucid presentation and meticulous analysis. This book makes a significant contribution to the conversation on democratic governance in Nigeria, providing a road map for stakeholders, and will be of interest to academics, decision-makers, election officials, and students of African politics and democratic growth.
Noah Echa Attah, Professor of African Economic History and Development, National University of Lesotho, Lesotho

About the Author

Babayo Sule is Professor of Political Science in the Department of Political and Administrative Studies at National University of Lesotho, Lesotho.
Usman Sambo is Associate Professor in the Department of Public Administration at Yobe State University, Nigeria.