ABSTRACT

In Nigeria, the political landscape is intricately woven with the activities and strategies of political parties, shaping the country's democratic trajectory. The multiparty system, reflective of Nigeria's diverse societal fabric, has witnessed significant evolution since the advent of the Fourth Republic in 1999. However, amidst this diversity lies the challenge of electoral malpractice, a pervasive issue casting shadows on the legitimacy and stability of democratic processes. This study focuses on electoral malpractice as a means of attaining power by political parties in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, with a specific emphasis on the 2023 general election. Employing a quantitative research design, data was gathered through surveys distributed among political stakeholders. Findings revealed prevalent forms of malpractice, notably falsification of election results and manipulation of voter registration, undermining the democratic process and governance legitimacy. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of political parties in perpetuating electoral malpractices and the inadequacies in existing mechanisms to address them. Recommendations include comprehensive electoral reforms, strengthening oversight mechanisms, increasing voter education, empowering law enforcement agencies, and fostering civil society engagement. This research contributes to the discourse on electoral integrity and democratic consolidation, offering insights crucial for enhancing electoral processes and democratic governance in Nigeria.