Trust and Reputation in Nigeria’s Electoral Process: the Context and Conundrum

Abstract

Abstract Election is the hallmark of democracy. Any democratic regime that does not conduct election will be regarded as a dictatorship regime. The trust and reputation build up on the electoral process impedes on its credibility and public acceptability. The higher the level of trust and reputation on the electoral process, the higher the acceptability of the leaders that emerges. The electoral process in Nigeria is in a state of total relapse, confusion and quagmire. To what extent has the reputation of the electoral system made Nigerians to trust its process and output? How can Nigeria develop out of the electoral process conundrum for credible leaders to emerge in the country? Modernization theory is used to explain the rapid need for Nigeria to develop its electoral processes. The adopted methodology uses Afrobarometer time series data. The article notes that rapid growth and development are products of an electoral process that has good public trust.