ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACTS OF BIMODAL VOTER ACCREDITATION SYSTEM (BVAS) ON ELECTION CREDIBILITY IN NIGERIA: A CASE STUDY OF 2023 GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION IN TAFAWA BALEWA BAUCHI STATE

This study assessed the impacts of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) on election credibility in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the 2023 governorship election in Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State. Three objectives guided the study: to examine the impact of BVAS on election credibility, to identify challenges in its implementation, and to explore strategies for improving its effectiveness in strengthening electoral integrity. A survey research design was employed, and data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of registered voters, electoral officials, and party agents in the LGA. A total of 367 valid responses were retrieved from 397 distributed questionnaires, representing a response rate of 92.4%. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics, particularly the chi-square test, to test the study’s hypotheses. The findings revealed that BVAS significantly enhanced election credibility by reducing electoral malpractice, increasing transparency, and boosting voter confidence in the electoral process. However, challenges such as technical malfunctions, inadequate training of electoral staff, and voter skepticism constrained its full effectiveness. Furthermore, the study established that strategies including improved training for electoral officials, public sensitization campaigns, provision of backup devices, and technological upgrades are critical to enhancing BVAS implementation and overall electoral credibility. The study concludes that while BVAS has the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s electoral system, addressing its operational challenges is essential for sustainable democratic governance. It recommends that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prioritize training, technological innovation, and stakeholder involvement in BVAS deployment. Methodologically, the research contributes empirical evidence on electoral technology in Nigeria, while theoretically, it reinforces technological determinism, electoral integrity theory, and rational choice theory as lenses for understanding electoral reforms.