Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and The Deployment ofTechnology for Election Credibility in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, 2011-2023
Henry Yenda, B
Department of Political Science and International Relations,
Taraba State University, Jalingo-Nigeria
James Auta Bawa
Department of Political Science and International Relations,
Taraba State University, Jalingo-Nigeria
Mustapha Saleh Dankishiya
Department of Public Administration, Federal Polytechnic, Bali-Nigeria
&
Chufor Rejoice Joseph
Department of English Language, Taraba State University, Jalingo-Nigeria
Abstract
This paper examines the deployment of electoral technologies by the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) and their impact on election credibility in Nigeria‘s Fourth Republic, between
2011 and 2023. Against a backdrop of persistent electoral malpractice, INEC introduced a range of
innovations—including the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), Smart Card Reader
(SCR), Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV)—to
enhance transparency, reduce fraud, and foster public trust. Using a qualitative research design and
content analysis of secondary sources, the study assesses the extent to which these tools improved
voter accreditation, result transmission, and overall electoral integrity. Findings reveal that while
these technologies contributed to curbing impersonation, over-voting, and result manipulation, their
effectiveness was undermined by technical failures, infrastructural deficits, inconsistent application,
inadequate training, and political interference—particularly during the 2023 general elections. This
paper concludes that technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections; rather, its success depends
on institutional capacity, legal frameworks, stakeholder commitment, and robust voter education. The
paper recommends enhanced staff training, stronger legal backing for technology use, and improved
infrastructural support to ensure consistent and effective deployment in future elections.
Keywords: Election, Credibility, Independent National Electoral Commission, Technology
Introduction
The credibility of elections is fundamental to the legitimacy of democratic governments,