Nigeria Edo State Electoral Integrity Political Influence Incumbency Advantage Patron–Client Networks Vote Buying Identity Politics Election Administration Democratic Consolidation

Since the return to civilian rule in Nigeria in 1999, successive elections have reflected both progress in electoral administration and persistent challenges to integrity. The 2023 presidential election, which introduced technological innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing (IREV) portal, was intended to enhance transparency and credibility. However, logistical failures, security concerns, and allegations of manipulation continued to undermine public confidence in the electoral process. This study examines the dynamics of political influence in the 2023 presidential election in Edo State, a key battleground that illustrates the interaction between formal electoral procedures and informal political practices.

The study investigates how incumbency advantages, party financing, and patron-client networks shaped electoral outcomes at multiple stages, from voter mobilization to result collation. It further explores how identity-based mobilization strategies, particularly along ethnic and religious lines, were deployed by opposition actors to counterbalance ruling-party dominance. Drawing on a qualitative analysis of electoral processes and political behavior, the research highlights how administrative inefficiencies and political interference are mutually reinforcing rather than independent phenomena.

Findings reveal that political actors exploited both institutional gaps and informal networks to influence electoral officials, manipulate voter behavior, and shape campaign narratives. These dynamics weakened procedural safeguards and compromised the neutrality of electoral administration. The study concludes that while technological reforms represent important steps toward electoral transparency, they are insufficient without stronger protections against political intrusion at the sub-national level. It recommends targeted institutional reforms for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and greater engagement of civil society organizations to enhance accountability and safeguard electoral integrity.

Overall, this research contributes to the broader discourse on democratic consolidation by providing a detailed, state-level analysis of electoral politics and highlighting the need for context-specific strategies to strengthen democracy in Nigeria’s federal system.