Influence of Electronic Adoption in the Conduct of Election in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Election credibility and transparency have been compromised by a number of issues in Lagos State, Nigeria, including voter apathy, multiple voter registrations, ghost voters, electoral fraud, logistical inefficiencies, political violence and low public trust in electoral outcomes. To address these enduring issues, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) implemented electronic voter registration and electronic accreditation systems. The main focus of this study is whether these efforts have successfully addressed the issues. The impact of electronic adoption on the conduct of elections in Lagos State, Nigeria, was investigated in this study. The Rational Choice Theory served as the theoretical foundation of the study. This study used correlational research designs in addition to descriptive surveys. The target group included Lagos State electoral stakeholders and registered voters. Krejcie & Morgan's sample size determination technique was used to determine the sample size of 374 respondents. While secondary data came from journals, textbooks, official reports and election documents, primary data came from respondents via structured questionnaires. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection method, and documentary analysis was used as the secondary method to gather qualitative data from both published and unpublished sources. The quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics, and the hypotheses were analyzed and tested at a p >0.05 significance level using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation. With a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05), the results of hypothesis one showed that electronic voter registration has greatly improved the elimination of multiple registrations and ghost voters in Lagos State. With a p-value of 0.000 (p<0.05), the results of hypothesis two demonstrated that electronic accreditation has greatly enhanced electoral transparency and credibility in Lagos State. According to the study findings, the adoption of electronic voting has improved election administration and bolstered Lagos State's successful application of the Electoral Reforms Act. In order to further increase electoral credibility and public confidence in elections, the study suggested, among other things, that INEC keep investing in cutting-edge electronic systems, make sure electoral officials receive regular training and improve its technological infrastructure.