THE ROLE OF INEC IN STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC SUSTAINABILITY ( A CASE STUDY OF NIGERIA'S PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION (1999-2011)

This research project examines the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in strengthening democratic sustainability in Nigeria, focusing on the presidential elections from 1999 to 2011. The study addresses the significant challenges that characterized this period, including widespread electoral malpractices, logistical inefficiencies, and a lack of institutional autonomy, which collectively undermined the credibility of the electoral process. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research utilized primary data from in-depth interviews and secondary sources such as scholarly journals and documented reports to analyze INEC’s performance across four electoral cycles. The findings reveal a complex narrative of institutional evolution, demonstrating that while early elections were marred by systemic failures and controversies, subsequent progressive improvements culminated in a relatively more successful 2011 election. The study highlights three major theiretical framework which are democracy theory, electoral governance theory, schumpeter's Competitive model of democracy. The study highlights how structural dependencies, such as executive control over the appointment of INEC officials, systematically undermined the commission's independence and capacity to ensure free and fair elections. It concludes that a combination of sustained structural reforms, enhanced transparency, and robust accountability mechanisms are essential to improve INEC’s effectiveness and secure Nigeria’s long-term democratic stability.