The Role of Data Capture Machine in 2015 Elections in Nigeria

Nigeria's failure to nurture and sustain a democratic culture is largely a function of her inability to operate a credible electoral system. Since independence in 1960, elections have been characterized by snatching and stuffing of ballot boxes. Consequently election results have been heralded with violence resulting in large scale destruction of properties and loss of lives. In a bid to reverse this trend and restore public confidence in the electoral process, the data capture machine was introduced by the electoral management body in 2015 to authenticate voters and stem rigging.This work not only chronicles elections in Nigeria right from the colonial era, but it also analysis the nature of elections in Nigeria since independence, the problems associated with elections, the introduction of the data capture machine and its impact on the credibility and outcome of 2015 elections in Nigeria.The work which makes a case for a technologically driven electoral process, it is hoped will be of immense benefit to keen observers and students of Nigerian politics and government.