THE PERCEIVED EFFECT OF THE 2022 REVISED ELECTORAL ACT ON THE CONDUCT OF OFF-CYCLE ELECTIONS IN EKITI STATE-NIGERIA

Abstract

The conduct of credible elections in Nigeria has historically been challenged by issues such as logistical failures, violence, and legal ambiguities, which have eroded public trust. In response, Nigeria initiated a comprehensive legal reform, culminating in the 2022 Revised Electoral Act. This study examined the effect of the 2022 Revised Electoral Act on the conduct of off-cycle elections in Ekiti State. The study adopted the Institutional Theory as a theoretical framework. This research adopted a mixed-method design. The target population were officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security personnel, election observers, and political party agents in Ekiti State. The total population of the study was 850. A sample size of 265 was determined using the Krejcie & Morgan formula. Primary data were sourced from structured questionnaires and key informant interviews while secondary data were sourced from INEC reports and election observer data. The primary method of data collection used a structured, five-point Likert scale questionnaire, while secondary data collection used document analysis of official reports. Descriptive statistics were used to present the quantitative data, while multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses at a p<0.05 significance level. Findings from the first hypothesis revealed that provisions for electronic accreditation of voters significantly enhanced the transparency of the voting process in the 2022 Ekiti Gubernatorial Election, with a p-value of 0.032 (p < 0.05). Findings from the second hypothesis showed that the legal framework for early commencement of campaigns positively affected the fairness of the electoral contest, with a p-value of 0.041 (p < 0.05). Findings from the third hypothesis indicated that the establishment of timelines for post-election litigation moderately enhanced public confidence in electoral outcomes, with a p-value of 0.078 (p > 0.05). The study concluded that the 2022 Revised Electoral Act had a significant positive effect on key aspects of election conduct, notably transparency and procedural fairness. The study recommended, among other things, that INEC should ensure stricter enforcement of campaign finance regulations and intensify voter education on the new legal provisions.