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| An Appraisal of Election Petition Tribunals and Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria's Fourth Republic |
Ovuoh, Chukwuemeka R. and Okafor, Jude Chizoba (Ph.D.)
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Abstract:
The focus of this study is an appraisal of Election Petition Tribunals and electoral malpractices in Nigeria's fourth republic. Despite the efforts of the Nigerian Judiciary through election tribunal towards curbing the problem of electoral malpractices, the rate of election malpractices such as result falsification, hijacking of ballot boxes among others appear to have remained on the increase. The study is qualitative and employed secondary sources of data; Data gathered were contently analyzed while Marxist (Karl Marx) theory of Class struggle was adopted as a theoretical framework for the study. Among other findings, the study established that election tribunal is not very effective in handling cases of election malpractices. Based on findings, the goals of Election petition tribunal in Nigeria's electoral process have not been realized. Hence, the role of the judiciary in Nigeria democratic system in ensuring that the processes and results of electoral competitions are upheld with all sanctity is farfetched. Based on findings, the study recommended among others, that political offices should not be made lucrative to the holders. It should be seen as service to the people as it is the case in liberal democracies. This will reduce the incidence of election manipulations by parties and their candidates during elections in Nigeria.
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