Citizen Participation and Good Governance in Nigeria: Reviewing Past Elections and Looking Ahead to the 2023 General Elections

Abstract

The researcher uses analytical method to review the journey so far and identify the
impediments to political participation by citizens in Nigeria ahead of the 2023 general
elections. This is necessary because despite the claim by the current administration to
correct the ills of the past such as electoral fraud, corruption and insecurity in the country,
these problems are still prevalent. Low level participation by the citizens has been the
trend from 1999 to 2019 general elections due to flaws in the process that affect the
legitimacy of the political class. Some of the identified impediments include insufficient
education among citizens, widespread poverty, elite manipulation of the political
process, monetisation of the electioneering process, corrupt and inexperienced officials,
marginalisation, political violence and insecurity. As the nation looks ahead to the 2023
general elections, the researcher recommends enhancing education and enlightenment,
eradication of poverty, elimination of corruption training and re-training of officials.