Electoral Malpractice And Democratic Consolidation In Nigeria.a Study Of Fourth Republic

The focus of this study is to examine electoral malpractices on democratic consolidation in the fourth republic. The researchers adopted historical and descriptive methods. Information was sourced from secondary data collated from journals, articles, library materials and internet sources which are related to the study.
Findings from the study revealed that electoral malpractice  in Nigeria Fourth Republic have resulted into the imposition of corrupt and illegitimate leaders who have no regard to the principles of democracy which are off-shoots for good governance, rule of law, constitutionalism and fundamental human rights.
The study therefore recommends the need to combat power of  incumbency, violence, corruption and impunity so as to enhance the electoral process. Moreso the electoral commission should be granted autonomy and devoid of manipulations from political stakeholders. Finally The judiciary in their decisions of elections cases and petition should endeavour to insulate themselves and resist all attempts to drag their personnel into the murky waters of partisan politics, but still maintain their independence, honesty and integrity in their judgement while  Political leaders should strictly adhered to the application of rule of law, constitutionalism and democratic values, the legitimacy of government and consolidation of democracy in their quest for power.