THE FUNCTION OF THE EFCC IN COMBATING ELECTORAL FRAUD IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE 2019 AND 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study The issue of electoral malpractice in Nigeria has escalated to an alarming extent. Widespread concerns about potential violence, ballot box snatching, and persistent threats have seriously compromised the integrity of electoral processes across various parts of the country. Electoral malpractice involves illegal interference with the election process aimed at manipulating the election results in favor of a particular candidate (Adelley, 2020). This manipulation includes a variety of unlawful activities such as falsifying election outcomes, artificially inflating votes for favored candidates, and reducing the vote count for opposing contenders. Examples of these malpractices include using underage individuals to cast votes, mobilizing unregistered voters to increase vote tallies, forcibly taking ballot boxes to insert additional votes for preferred parties, and tampering with vote counting to influence results. There have also been numerous cases of voter intimidation and miscounting of ballots. The creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) can be linked to the widespread corruption and fraudulent acts observed during electoral processes. The EFCC is a federal agency established to address economic and financial crimes in Nigeria. Its main mandate is to strengthen the enforcement mechanisms for preventing, investigating, prosecuting, and penalizing financial and economic offenses. The commission operates within the framework of several laws, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act (2004), the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Act (1994), the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (1991), the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act (2004), the Advance Fee Fraud and Money Laundering Act (1995), the Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act, and the Miscellaneous Offenses Act (Bola, 2015). Since its inception, the EFCC has demonstrated significant commitment and effectiveness in tackling economic and financial crimes within Nigeria. Over time, its role expanded to include political issues due to the rising incidence of electoral fraud within the Nigerian electoral system. The commission’s responsibilities now also cover promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability within government institutions. Its core function involves investigating and prosecuting misconduct by public officials, such as abuse of office, corrupt practices related to elections, bribery of public servants, misappropriation of public funds through fraudulent contracts, money laundering, and supporting the enforcement of good governance principles. Consequently, this study aims to assess the role of the EFCC in curbing electoral malpractice in Nigeria, with particular reference to the 2019 and 2023 general elections. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Electoral fraud in Nigeria severely undermines the credibility of the democratic process and weakens the nation’s institutional structures. This has led to diminished public trust and confidence in democratic institutions (Boye, 2016). There is a widespread sense of political apathy that creates opportunities for corrupt politicians to manipulate electoral processes to serve their personal interests, causing harm not only to voters but also to the nation as a whole. Democratic institutions are expected to encourage citizens' active participation in elections, enabling them to freely and fairly exercise their voting rights in choosing their leaders (Boye, 2016). Such participation is vital for strengthening and deepening democracy. However, the persistent occurrence of systematic electoral fraud at national, state, and local government levels calls for urgent and decisive intervention from government agencies and other stakeholders. These interventions are essential for restoring democratic principles, ensuring the emergence of legitimate leadership, and fostering effective governance across the country. Hence, this study seeks to investigate the role played by the EFCC in addressing and curbing electoral malpractice in Nigeria, focusing specifically on the 2019 and 2023 general elections. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The broad objective of the study is to examine the function of the efcc in combating electoral fraud in Nigeria: an analysis of the 2019 and 2023 general elections. The specific objectives is as follows: i.To identify the forms of electoral malpractices perpetrated during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria. ii.To ascertain the role played by EFCC curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria. iii.To assess the challenges faced EFCC in curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria iv.To proffer other strategies that can be used to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria. 1.4 Research Questions The following questions have been prepared for the study: i.What are the forms of electoral malpractices perpetrated during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria? ii.What is the role played by EFCC curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria? iii.What are the challenges faced EFCC in curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria? iv.What are the other strategies that can be used to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria? 1.5 Research Hypotheses The following hypotheses have been formulated for the study: H0: EFCC have not played any role in curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria. Ha: EFCC have played any role in curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria. 1.6 Significance of the Study The current wave of electoral malpractices is fast weakening the democratic principles in the country. This has resulted to a high level of political apathy. The study seek to call the attention of stakeholders to arise and tackle the menace with the view of reviving democratic institution and good governance in the country. It shall also be useful to government policy makers. 1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study The study focuses on the function of the efcc in combating electoral fraud in Nigeria: an analysis of the 2019 and 2023 general elections . Hence, the study identify the forms of electoral malpractices perpetrated during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria, ascertain the role played by EFCC curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria, assess the challenges faced EFCC in curbing electoral malpractices during 2019 and 2023 General election in Nigeria and proffer other strategies that can be used to curb electoral malpractice in Nigeria. Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint was the scanty literature on the subject owing that corruption discourse is vast thus the researcher incurred more financial expenses and much time was required in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection, which is why the researcher resorted to a limited choice of sample size covering only EFCC officials in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Thus findings of this study cannot be used for generalization for other states within Nigeria. Additionally, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work will impede maximum devotion to the research. Howbeit, despite the constraint encountered during the research, all factors were downplayed in other to give the best and make the research successful 1.8 Definition of Terms Electoral Malpractice: Fake ballot papers and manipulation of votes EFCC: Economic and financial crimes commission 1.9 Organization of Study The study consisted of five chapters. Chapter one comprised background of the study and a general introduction to the work. It included statement of problem of the study, highlighted the objectives of the study, the scope within which the research was conducted is also highlighted. An outline of how the work is organized is also detailed in the chapter one. The chapter two of the study reviewed the literature. Chapter three discussed examine the research methodology. Chapter four reviewed presentation and analysis of data according to research questions and the chapter five is a summary of the major findings with recommendations and conclusion to the study.