Brief Review

Democratic elections are fundamental to the existence, survival and development of a free and fair political system in contemporary society. Individuals and political parties play a significant role to promote democracy in many nations around the world. Nigeria underwent several elections since its independence in 1960. However, all elections were not truly democratic and some elections have also witnessed violence instigated by politicians who lack societal values. The consequences of the 1964 parliamentary election for example created the breakdown of law and order resulting in military takeover two years later. The general elections of 1983 also witnessed multiple spate of violence, especially in Ondo State where lives and property worth millions of dollars were lost. Similarly, the elections conducted in 2003, 2007 and 2011 were met by sporadic violence challenging the rule of law in Nigeria. This paper reviews the unlawful political activities and their implications in the Nigerian political system