Militarization of the Electoral Process and Voter Turnout in Off-Cycle Governorship Elections in Nigeria

This study analyzed the militarization of Nigeria’s electoral process and its effects on voter turnout in off-cycle governorship elections. Drawing on electoral authoritarianism theory and evidence from interviews, document analysis, and media reports, it argued that excessive security deployment reflects deeper governance failures. Empirical evidence shows a sharp decline in voter turnout, linked to militarized election environments. The study found that militarization disproportionately benefits incumbents, ruling parties, and political cronies while constraining opposition actors and discouraging voter participation. It concluded that militarized off-cycle elections produce a paradox, undermining democratic quality despite claims of enhancing electoral security.