The Political Economy of the Postponement of Nigeria’s 2015 General Elections: Effects, Implications and Lessons

Abstract

The credibility of Nigeria’s previous elections had been doubted, though the situation has been improving lately. This research article examines the effects and implications of Nigeria’s postponement of the 2015 general elections. An attempt is also made to identify and discuss the lessons learned from the shift in elections. The effects of elections postponement identified in the study include: protracted grounding of governance; nosedived economic activities; increased unemployment; negative effects on social and cultural activities; and heightened political tension; although it afforded the INEC a good opportunity to improve upon its preparations. Implications examined include erosion of the integrity of Nigerian Government; perception of the INEC as managing elections’ programme poorly; and reduction in future aids. The paper pinpointed some of the lessons learned from the elections’ postponement as: the need for timely provision of funds; professional management of elections; use of contingency and change management plans; and proper documentation of lessons learned. Finally, the research recommends the use of lessons learned as springboard for strengthening democracy in Nigeria.