Review of Public Administration and Management

Abstract

Elections and Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria; A Critique of 2011 Election

Alfa Patrick Innocent, Ahmadu Alhassan and Adah George

Elections and electoral processes are fundamental to the workings of every democratic setting of the modern state. Elections are the major hallmark of a democratic society. This paper argues that elections in Nigeria have not been able to contribute fundamentally to democratic consolidation. Specifically, the paper appraises the 2011 elections and the spate of violent reactions that followed the announcement of the results of the presidential elections despite the views of both domestic and international observers that the elections were credible. It opines that stakeholders must commit themselves to the task of conducting free and fair elections if the Nigerian fledgling democracy to enhance the speed of democratic consolidation.