IN NIGERIA

Defamation has become a serious issue in Nigerian electoral politics, often used as a tool to damage opponents' reputations, mislead voters, and manipulate public opinion. This research paper presents a detailed examination of defamation in Nigerian electoral politics, particularly the 2023 general elections. Specifically, it further identifies various defamation methods employed in Nigerian politics, while examining their causes and collective impact on democratic institutions and electoral integrity. Nevertheless, drawing from comparative analysis of international approaches, particularly the United States and United Kingdom, the study proposes reforms, including the implementation of alternative dispute resolution mechanism, and strengthening of electoral regulations. These recommendations aim to balance the fundamental right to free speech with protection of individual reputation, while promoting more ethical and issue-based political discourse.