POLITICS OF ELECTIONEERING AND ELECTION A STUDY OF NIGERIAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS (2015-2023)

the 2015, 2019, and 2023 electoral cycles. The influences of ethnicity, party leadership, and religion on electioneering strategies, voter behaviour, and democratic processes within Africa's most populous nation. Secondary sources which included journals, articles, and scholarly papers, were utilised as data for the study. Situated within the ambit of Political Economy Theory and Ethnic Mobilisation Theory, the study revealed that ethnicity remained a fundamental driver of electoral politics, with candidates drawing strong bloc votes from their ethnic and regional bases. The intersection of ethnic identity with religion and socio-economic grievances formed resilient voting blocs, especially as institutional weaknesses encouraged voters to rely on ethnic networks for political security. The study also found that Party structures have become increasingly personalised, with dominant leaders and godfatherism shaping candidate selection often at the expense of internal democracy and programmatic platforms. This study recommends that the section 89 (7) of Electoral Act should be amended by the National Assembly in conjunction with the State Houses of Assembles to impose a fine of Ten billion naira for violators exceeding the legal spending limits of Five billion for Presidential elections. The study also recommends that violators of hates speeches should be fined One million Naira or a year's imprisonment. The study further recommends that section 84(9) of the Electoral Act be amended to remove the powers of political parties to adopt consensus candidate. KEYWORDS: ethnicity, electioneering strategies, religion, voter behavior.