ASSESSMENT ON THE VIABILITY OF BLOCKCHAIN-BASED VOTING SYSTEMS IN NIGERIA ELECTION

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study Elections are the bedrock of democratic governance, offering citizens the power to choose their leaders and hold them accountable. In Nigeria, however, electoral processes have been marred by widespread irregularities, vote rigging, voter apathy, and violence, thereby undermining the credibility of democratic institutions (INEC, 2023). The rapid development of digital technologies, particularly blockchain, presents new opportunities for transforming the integrity, transparency, and security of voting systems. Blockchain, a decentralized and tamper-proof digital ledger, has been applied successfully in financial sectors and is increasingly being explored as a tool for electoral reform across the globe (Zyskind et al., 2018). In countries like Estonia and Switzerland, blockchain-based voting has shown promise in enhancing voter trust, reducing fraud, and ensuring end-to-end verifiability of election results (Kim & Kang, 2022). Given Nigeria’s repeated struggles with manual and semi-digital voting systems, investigating the viability of blockchain-based solutions is both timely and crucial. This study assesses the feasibility of implementing such systems in the Nigerian electoral context, considering technical infrastructure, legal readiness, political will, and public perception. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Despite efforts by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to digitize electoral processes, elections in Nigeria still suffer from transparency issues, disenfranchisement, and electoral fraud. The use of card readers and electronic transmission of results in recent years has not fully resolved these challenges (Ajayi & Akinola, 2023). There is a pressing need to explore alternative technological innovations that can ensure integrity and boost public confidence in electoral outcomes. Blockchain-based voting has been touted as a viable alternative, yet its suitability in Nigeria remains underexplored. Key concerns include technological capacity, legal frameworks, internet penetration, cybersecurity risks, and institutional readiness. This research aims to bridge this gap by providing an empirical assessment of the viability of blockchain-based voting in Nigeria’s electoral system. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The main objective of this study is to assess the viability of blockchain-based voting systems in Nigeria’s electoral process. The specific objectives are to: 1. Evaluate the technological readiness of Nigeria for blockchain-based voting. 2. Examine the legal and institutional frameworks governing digital voting systems in Nigeria. 3. Analyze the potential benefits and limitations of blockchain-based voting in addressing electoral fraud. 4. Assess public and stakeholder perceptions regarding the adoption of blockchain in elections. 1.4 Research Questions 1. What is the current state of technological infrastructure for blockchain-based voting in Nigeria? 2. Are there legal and institutional provisions that support or hinder the adoption of blockchain in elections? 3. What advantages and challenges does blockchain voting present for Nigeria’s electoral system? 4. How do stakeholders perceive the feasibility of blockchain-based voting? 1.5 Significance of the Study This study is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it contributes to the growing body of literature on digital democracy and electoral innovation in Africa. Secondly, the findings will provide valuable insights for INEC, policymakers, and tech developers regarding the prospects and challenges of blockchain voting. Thirdly, it enhances public discourse on electoral reforms, especially in the context of rebuilding trust in Nigerian democratic institutions. 1.6 Scope of the Study The study focuses on the viability of blockchain-based voting systems in Nigeria, covering the period from 2019 to 2024, a timeline during which electoral technology reforms have been actively debated. It examines legal, technological, and sociopolitical dimensions across selected states, including Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu. 1.7 Definition of Terms Blockchain: A decentralized and immutable digital ledger that records transactions across multiple computers. E-voting: The use of electronic means to cast and count votes in elections. Viability: The practicality and feasibility of adopting a new system or technology. Electoral Integrity: The adherence to democratic principles and standards in conducting elections.