SOLUTION TO ELECTORAL CRISES IN NIGERIA: THE EARLY CHURCH MODEL, A SOCIO-RELIGIOUS PANACEA

Abstract

The electoral processes in Nigeria have consistently been undermined by perceived interference by government agencies, resulting into various post-election crises the nation has experienced over time.. These crises, rooted in systemic issues such as ethnic divisions, corruption, weak electoral institutions, and socio-economic inequality, have persisted from the post-independence elections of 1964 to the recent 2023 general elections. Traditional solutions, including electoral reforms and legal frameworks, have proven inadequate in addressing these crises. This paper explores the potential of the early church model as a socio-religious panacea for Nigeria's electoral challenges. Drawing insights from the leadership, conflict resolution mechanisms, and socio-religious principles of the early church, such as equity, justice, and accountability, the study examines how these principles can be applied in Nigeria’s electoral process. The research adopts the historical method, which unveils the facts and available data on the Nigerian political and electoral antecedents. The conflict transformation, social contract and moral-ethical leadership theories are employed to create a better understanding of phenomena of the study. Furthermore, the paper identifies practical strategies inspired by the early church model, such as fostering ethical leadership, promoting inclusive dialogue, and integrating socio-religious values into electoral processes. Findings indicate the absence of the integration of socio-religious values into electoral processes such as equity, justice, accountability and transparency which would make way for credible, transparent and peaceful election in Nigeria. This research recommends the need to strengthen the electoral institutions, promote ethical leadership, integrate socio-religious values, enhance civic education, ensure human capacity development, encourage inclusive dialogue, implementation of electoral reform laws and foster unity through interfaith collaboration in Nigeria, by advocating a holistic approach that combines socio-religious principles with institutional reforms.