Author(s) :

Onuorah, Onyeka Leo PhD , Ejima, Man-of-God Ebiojo.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

This study explores the complex interplay between democratic elections and national security in Nigeria, examining the challenges and prospects of the 21st century. The study adopts a descriptive design and utilises secondary data from academic journals, books, reports, and media sources to analyse the effect of Nigeria's electoral processes on national stability. The theoretical framework for the study is grounded in John Locke’s social contract theory and Immanuel Kant’s democratic peace theory, which provides insights into the relationship between governance, public trust, and peace. The study identifies key challenges, including electoral fraud, political violence, corruption, ethnic and religious tensions, and infrastructural deficiencies, which undermine electoral integrity and exacerbate security concerns. Despite these challenges, prospects for improvement exist, notably through electoral reforms, technological innovations, strengthened institutions, and enhanced civic engagement. The study concludes that Nigeria’s democratic elections, while fraught with challenges, hold the potential for enhancing national security through strategic reforms and greater civic participation. It calls for the implementation of robust electoral reforms, improved security measures, promotion of civic education, and fostering of national unity as critical steps toward achieving a more secure and credible electoral system. Keywords: Democratic Elections, National Security, Electoral Reforms, Political Violence, Nigeria.

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