THE IMPETUS OF NON-STATE ACTORS ON ELECTION MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIA: MYTH AND REALITY

Abstract

Elections are the most accepted mechanisms for changing government within the most common and effective system of governance, known as democracy. Non-state actors are groups of entities that operate independently as autonomous bodies outside the government, which typically functions in democratic environments. Over time, non-state actors have expanded into different sectors of the economy where limited government intervention falls short or into areas that require accountability, transparency, the rule of law, and responsiveness to address economic, political, and social issues. The specific political issue, of which elections are a part, is the focus of this paper. Therefore, this research primarily aims to explore the influence of civil society on election management in Nigeria. The study uses a qualitative approach, collecting primary data through key informant interviews with staff from Yiaga, members of the Senate Committee on Election, members of the House of Representatives Committee on Election, INEC staff, experts, police officers, Nigeria Bar Association members, and journalists—all of whom constitute the study population. The research adopts the sampling method outlined by Hagaman and Wutich (2017), and the data analysis was conducted thematically. It was found that non-state actors have actively participated in the voting administration process in Nigeria. However, the paper recommends that professional ethics and standards of work be maintained by non-state actors working in collaboration with INEC staff, the electorate, security agencies, and other electoral stakeholders.