THE POLITICAL PROCESS AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: ROLE OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION, 1999-2018

 

Caleb Okezie AJAGBA¹*, Daniel Eseme GBEREVBIE², Osita AGBU³

¹Mr., Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

²Professor, Department of Political Science and International Relations, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

³ Professor, Department of International Relations and Diplomacy Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Baze University,Abuja, Nigeria

Corresponding Author:

caleb.ajagba@gmail.com , caleb.ajagba@stu.cu.edu.ng

 

Abstract

This work evaluates the political process and governance in Nigeria between1999-2018 with emphasis on the role of the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The political process comprises the totality of the ways and means of acquiring and exercising governmental authority in a political system. It is the systematic series of actions and guidelines involving relevant institutions that impact on the quest for the exercise of political power in governmental or public affairs of a country or state through periodic elections. The broad objective of the thesis centered on the evaluation of how the role of the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission could enhance good governance in Nigeria. It employed the survey method of research design in which the data required for the study were generated through the instruments of questionnaire, and in-depth interviews. Quota and stratified sampling techniques were mostly used in the selection of respondents. Four hundred and thirty copies of questionnaire were administered and 360 were returned. The data were analyzed using linear regression analysis, as well as inferential statistics, tables, frequencies, percentages and graphs to crystallize and present the results. The findings among other things indicate that both the National Assembly and Independent National Electoral Commission have not satisfactorily performed their constitutionally assigned roles of enhancing the political process and good governance in Nigeria between 1999-2018; that the National Assembly has not been able to represent the collective interest of the masses; that the inability of the National Assembly to enforce the provisions of the 1999 constitution as they relate to cross-carpeting of politicians elected into the National Assembly or any other elective office in Nigeria is because such an amendment and interpretation will adversely affect the National Assembly members who are currently benefiting from the dispensation; and that although the introduction of technology in the management of elections will help advance the political process in Nigeria, however, due to poor voter education, the huge amount spent for this project would be a colossal national loss except urgent steps are taken by INEC to embark on appropriate voter education to enable the electorates and masses know how the technological equipment are used to facilitate free and fair elections subsequently in Nigeria with a view to advancing democracy in the country.

Keywords: Governance, Independent National Electoral Commission, National Assembly, democratic governance, Nigeria