THE CONDUCT OF ELECTION IN NIGERIA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MAURICE IWU AND ATTAHIRU JEGA ADMINISTRATION (2003-2015)

This study title "The Conduct of Elections in Nigeria: comparative Analysis of Maurice Iwu and Attahiru Jega's Administrations 2003-2015" examines the place of elections in consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. The study depended majority on secondary sources. In this regard, the resource room and university library were consulted. In spite of legislative bottle necks and electoral aparty exhibited by the electorates , the study indicated that INEC has performed better under the leadership of Prof. Attahiru Jega than Prof. Maurice Iwu in terms of election conduct and mismanagement. It is clear from this study that the poor conduct and mismanagement of elections which has retarded democracy is caused by the lack of transparency, poor legislative framework, incumbency factor and electoral violence to mention but a few. Among other recommendations for free, fair and credible elections, the nomination of INEC chairman by the national judiciary council and a provision of a body obliged to prosecute or punish electoral offenders should be considered and taken seriously. The study concluded that democratic institutions and respect for the rule of law should be strengthened. This is the surest way of bringing about free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.