THE ROLE OF THE NIGERIAN SECURITY AND CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS IN THE 2019 ELECTIONS: A STUDY OF FOUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS IN OGUN STATE

Abstract

The 2019 general elections are the sixth set of elections in Nigeria's twenty years of uninterrupted democratic experiment. Studies have concentrated on the roles of the Nigerian Army and Police in the security aspects of elections in the country with little attention paid to the impact of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in electoral security. This study investigates the significance of NSCDC in electoral security. Selected study area consists of the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) which make up Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State. This is a strategic state in view of its international boundaries with Republic of Benin, and the history of cross border criminal acts. Data are drawn from primary and secondary sources, while the interpretative method of analysis is adopted. The study established that the Corps was very suited for election duties due to its more civil disposition and a more positive integrity and credibility perception. The study therefore recommends that the NSCDC should be legally empowered to play more active roles in election security and strengthened in terms of manpower and equipment in order to enhance its roles during elections.