Election Administration: A Tool for the Sustenance of Democracy in Nigeria

Abstract

For the past twenty three years, Nigeria has enjoyed an uninterrupted democracy. However, this democracy has been threatened severally by misconducts like electoral violence and fraud. This paper seeks to demonstrate how democracy can be further sustained in the Nigerian polity by suggesting the use of election administration as a tool. The study is built upon the social control theory and asserts that the electoral body (INEC) which is responsible for overseeing electoral processes in the nation should be free from the influence of politicians. They should ensure that the conduct of the electoral process is free and fair. Only when these are done can there be a sustainable democracy in the nation.