Analyzing Electoral Misconduct: The Case of 2019 General Elections in Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Credible election is fast becoming a feature of the democratic process canvassed globally. However, misconducts still mar the exercise and smooth transition in a couple of countries, including Nigeria. This study focused on electoral misconducts reported during Nigeria’s 2019 general elections, using Gombe State as reference. Data were collected through primary and secondary sources, which involved questionnaire administration, interviews and desk review of published works relevant to the paper. The findings revealed that there were electoral misconducts in several areas during the 2019 general elections not only in Gombe Metropolis but in other parts of the State. These misconducts ranged from vote buying, to material inducements and destructions of election materials, among others. The study recommends the need for a new electoral law that will criminalise vote buying and other sundry electoral frauds in future elections in Gombe and other parts of the country.