THE ROLE OF BVAS ON ELECTION CREDIBILITY (A CASE STUDY OF BAUCHI STATE 2021 GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION)

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in promoting credible elections, using the 2021 Bauchi State Gubernatorial Election as a case study. Electoral malpractice has long undermined Nigeria’s democracy, prompting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to introduce BVAS to improve voter identification, reduce fraud, and enhance transparency. A survey research design was adopted, with data collected from 385 respondents, including voters, INEC officials, observers, and party agents, using stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used, and data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Findings show that BVAS improved election credibility by preventing multiple voting, increasing transparency, and boosting public trust. However, challenges such as poor network connectivity and unstable power supply occasionally disrupted its performance. Respondents stressed the need for voter education, continuous staff training, adequate funding, and legislative backing to sustain the system. The study concludes that BVAS is vital for free and fair elections in Nigeria. For long-term success, infrastructural issues must be addressed, and policies strengthened to institutionalize its use. Key recommendations include upgrading technology, providing legal support, and integrating BVAS with other electoral reforms to improve democratic governance.