International Donor Agencies and Electoral Support in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic (1999-2015): The Missing Link

Abstract

International donor agencies are international organisations that operate globally and promote certain values such as democracy, good governance, conflict resolution, humanitarian aid and support and overall global agenda. This paper is an attempt to examine the role of international donor agencies in supporting electoral process in Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 particularly the missing links from the previous studies in terms of their activities in the country. The problem is the nature and method of operation of the international agencies in supporting elections in Nigeria which failed to achieve the desired result. The paper used a qualitative method of data analysis where primary and secondary sources were used. The in-depth interview was conducted with some selected senior officials from the international donors in Nigeria, INEC officials and civil societies in addition to academicians. The secondary source was the used of documented data and materials on the subject matter. The data obtained were analysed using simple statistical analysis such as tables and charts. The research discovered that international donor agencies did not impact much on financing of elections in Nigeria as the country is rich enough to finance her elections comfortably but, they contributed in the process through provisions of technical support to INEC staff, civil societies and weak groups but it was not adequate to ensure a transparent election in the country. The research recommends for a holistic approach that will avoid suspicion locally and be a community-driven and indigenous in nature by the donors to ensure success at the local level.