e-GOVERNMENT AND ELECTORAL REFORM IN NIGERIA, 2005-2015

This study examined e-Government and electoral reform in Nigeria, 2005-2015. The study analysed, how e-government as electoral reform by Independent National Electoral Commission addressed electoral fraud and enhanced credible election in Nigeria. The objectives of this study is to examine e-government as electoral reform by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting free and fair election in Nigeria, 2005-2015. The study used the Analysing of existing data, which consist of secondary data. The study relied on published document of government offices or government published materials especially the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) submission in the area of voters’ registration, and voters’ accreditation. Data were obtained, analysed and interpreted using simple percentages and simple t-test analysis to compare the application of electronic technology in 2007, 2011 and 2015 election. The study found that the introduction of electronic system such as biometric data capturing machine, automatic fingerprint identification system, business rules for the production of Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), distribution of permanent voter’s card and smart card reader(SCR) for biometric accreditation this has drastically reduced electoral fraud and irregularities but has not fully eliminated election irregularities such as violence, vote buying, under age voting among others that were identified. The study recommended that: the Independent National Electoral Commission should improve the quality of Biometric Capturing machine and smart card reader to enhance and improve the quality of voters’ registers and that INEC should amend the Electoral Act to embark on full implementation of e-voting and other technology-based approach for elections administration