The Nigerian electoral system is a complex and evolving process that has undergone significant changes in recent years. The system is overseen by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which is responsible for conducting and supervising all federal and state elections in Nigeria.
History of the Nigerian Electoral System
Nigeria’s electoral system has its roots in the colonial period, when the country was administered by British authorities. In the 1950s and 1960s, Nigeria held a series of elections that were often marred by violence and fraud. Following the end of military rule in 1999, Nigeria embarked on a process of democratization that has seen significant improvements to the electoral system.
The Nigerian Constitution, which was adopted in 1999, provides the legal framework for the country’s electoral system. The Constitution establishes the INEC as an independent body charged with organizing, conducting, and supervising all federal and state elections in Nigeria.
Structure of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
The INEC is headed by a chairman and has 12 national commissioners, each of whom is appointed by the President of Nigeria, subject to confirmation by the Senate. The INEC is responsible for the registration of voters, the conduct of elections, and the resolution of election disputes. The commission is also responsible for the delimitation of constituencies and the publication of electoral guidelines.
Nigerian Electoral Process
The Nigerian electoral process involves a number of steps, including voter registration, candidate nomination, campaign activities, voting, and the announcement of results. The process is governed by a number of laws, including the Electoral Act, which was first passed in 2006 and has since been amended several times.
The Electoral Act provides for the establishment of political parties, the conduct of primaries, and the nomination of candidates for elections. The act also sets out rules for campaign financing, voting procedures, and the resolution of election disputes.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was established in 1998 as an independent body responsible for organizing and conducting elections in Nigeria. The Commission is led by a Chairman and 12 National Commissioners, who are appointed by the President with the approval of the Senate. The INEC is responsible for voter registration, voter education, candidate registration, and the conduct of elections at all levels.
One of the key features of the Nigerian electoral system is the use of electronic voting machines, which were introduced in 2011. These machines have helped to reduce the incidence of electoral fraud and have improved the speed and accuracy of vote counting.
However, the Nigerian electoral system is not without its challenges. There have been instances of electoral fraud, voter intimidation, and violence during elections. Additionally, there have been concerns about the independence and impartiality of the INEC, with some political parties accusing the Commission of bias.
Despite these challenges, the Nigerian electoral system continues to evolve and improve. The INEC has made significant efforts to improve the integrity and transparency of elections, and there is a growing awareness among voters of the importance of free and fair elections.
As of 2023, the Nigerian electoral system has 119,973 polling units across the country. These polling units are organized into wards, which are further organized into local government areas.
Here is a table showing the list of electoral wards in Nigeria:
| City | List of Electoral Wards |
|---|---|
| Lagos State | Agege, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Alimosho, Amuwo-Odofin, Apapa, Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Kosofe, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, Mushin, Ojo, Oshodi-Isolo, Somolu, Surulere |
| Abuja | Abaji, Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali |
| Rivers State | Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Obio/Akpor, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Omumma, Opobo/Nkoro, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, Tai |
| City | List of Electoral Wards |
|---|---|
| Kano State | Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dambatta, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Fagge, Gabasawa, Garko, Garun Mallam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Gwarzo, Kabo, Kano Municipal, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbotso, Kunchi, Kura, Madobi, Makoda, Minjibir, Nasarawa, Rano, Rimin Gado, Rogo, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tarauni, Tofa, Tsanyawa, Tudun Wada, Ungogo, Warawa, Wudil |
| Oyo State | Afijio, Akinyele, Atiba, Atisbo, Egbeda, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-East, Ibadan North-West, Ibadan South-East, Ibadan South-West, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East, Ibarapa North, Ido, Irepo, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Iwajowa, Kajola, Lagelu, Ogbomoso North, Ogbomoso South, Ogo Oluwa, Olorunsogo, Oluyole, Ona Ara, Orelope, Ori Ire, Oyo East, Oyo West, Saki East, Saki West, Surulere |
| Kaduna State | Birnin Gwari, Chikun, Giwa, Igabi, Ikara, Jaba, Jema’a, Kachia, Kaduna North, Kaduna South, Kagarko, Kajuru, Kaura, Kauru, Kubau, Kudan, Lere, Makarfi, Sabon Gari, Sanga, Soba, Zangon Kataf, Zaria |
| Enugu State | Aninri, Awgu, Enugu East, Enugu North, Enugu South, Ezeagu, Igbo Etiti, Igbo Eze North, Igbo Eze South, Isi Uzo, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Nsukka, Oji River, Udenu, Udi, Uzo Uwani |
| Delta State | Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Bomadi, Burutu, Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Ika North East, Ika South, Isoko North, Isoko South, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Okpe, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Patani, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Ukwuani, Uvwie, Warri North, Warri South, Warri South West |
The above list is not exhaustive, as there are numerous electoral wards across Nigeria. However, it provides an overview of the diversity of local government areas and electoral wards that exist in the country. It is worth noting that electoral wards are subject to change, with new wards being created or merged in response to population growth or other factors.
How many wards are currently in Nigeria?
Nigeria has 774 local government ward areas
How Many Polling Units are in Nigeria
There are 176,974 polling units in Nigeria.
Which ward is the largest ward in Nigeria?
Rigasa ward is under Igabi LGA, one of the largest wards in terms of population in Nigeria.