SECURITY INSTITUTIONS AND ELECTORAL VIOLENCE DURING THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The sole responsibility of the security institution in Nigeria is to provide internaland external protection for the citizens and the state. This constitutes protection during and afterthe election, as well as the handling of election materials in a democratic setting. Based on theimportance, the government has continued to mobilize a large number of security operatives forthe election to reduce the number of electoral-related violence, such as snatching of ballot boxes,intimidation, loss of lives, and properties. This study investigates the role of Nigerian securityinstitutions in managing electoral violence during the 2023 general elections. The study employeda qualitative approach, which relied extensively on secondary sources of data collection. The datacollected was analyzed using content analysis. The study is anchored on systems theory as atheoretical framework for analysis. The study revealed that there were political landscapes thatposed a security threat to the 2023 election in Nigeria. Findings indicate persistent violence despiteextensive security deployments, thereby underscoring the need for institutional neutrality andsystemic reforms. Therefore, the study concludes and recommends that the Independent NationalElectoral Commission and the Police maintain impartiality during elections to uphold theirintegrity. The government should lower the stakes of the election to create a more friendlyenvironment during the election.