1.0 chapter one         

Introduction                                                                      

1.1 Background to the Study

A cancer, corruption prevents any community from distributing resources fairly and equally and results in a lack of accountability, trustworthy leadership, and political and socioeconomic advancement. Electoral corruption is even more harmful because it led to flawed election processes and undesirable leaders who prioritised self-interest and personal advancement over the interests of the country(Adeniyi, 2017). There are many different types of corruption, including electoral corruption, which is the main focus of this work, as well as bribery, extortion, misuse of the bureaucracy, and illegal practises. In Nigeria, corruption is a significant barrier to free and fair elections (Adeniyi, 2017). Vote buying, buying party agents for anti-party activities, bribing election officials and security personnel, and election manipulation are just a few of the corrupt practises that plague Nigeria's electoral process (Adeniyi, 2017). Therefore, corruption has a negative impact on Nigeria's elections and electoral process. With a unique twist, the 2023 General Elections are regarded as one of Nigeria's most fraudulent elections since they laid the groundwork for historically significant political change (Adeniyi, 2017). Although the 2015 General Elections were largely praised for their credibility, no election in the nation's history has seen money politics exert such a strong effect. Trillions of Naira (billions of dollars) are said to have been spent on the electionm(EFCC, 2017 and INEC, 2017).

On the basis of democracy, elections are the most significant political undertaking since they serve as the foundation for the development of governmental structures. In terms of free, democratic elections, the appointment of executive representatives is a welcome political weapon. Democracy's fundamental component is the election of officials in accordance with the established electoral rules. After the nomination of officials, elections must be held, and in some circumstances, the exchange is only fair if the current administration voluntarily returns its seats. Candidates running in local and parliamentary elections come from a variety of social groupings. It should be highlighted that events outside of election day are as necessary for free, fair, and credible elections. They concern the entire electoral cycle and include crucial issues like the availability of a reliable and updated voters' register, the operation of the party system, the nomination of candidates, the conduct of violent-free party campaigns, the provision of sufficient voting materials, the actual conduct of the voting, speedy counting and declaration of results, and post-election activities like election petitions and the fair and prompt resolution of all pending litigation (INEC 2016: 49).

 Frau (2008) arguesan equitable and fair electoral framework; a professional, neutral, and transparent election administration; a widely recognized code of ethical behavior in political and press freedom; accountability of all participants; a trustworthy safeguard mechanism; and the implementation of the election laws and other relevant laws are necessary prerequisites for the achievement of free, fair, and equitable elections. Elections have been increasingly more important in recent decades as the main method of establishing legitimacy for national, regional, and municipal governance. The majority of governments in the world today assert their legitimacy in some way through electoral processes. Elections give public support and legitimacy for both the in-office and newly elected administrations when they adhere to international standards of fairness, administrative professionalism, and respect for human rights. Even though elections are only one aspect of democracy, they lay the groundwork for democratic government by ensuring that elected officials have valid and widely recognised mandates. People are less likely to feel the need to use violence to settle disputes or to make their opinions heard when they have the chance to participate freely in public life and elect their leaders via a free and open process. Elections empower people to participate in the selection of their political representatives. Protecting and promoting the integrity of elections is, therefore, a top policy priority. Troubled electoral processes and their fall-out have challenged the credibility of democracy in recent years. Elections that are recognized as free and fair result in a peaceful transition of power, while electoral processes that are deemed fraudulent or violent, or to have been manipulated, can either lead to or exacerbate political instability.

In Nigeria, elections have been characterised by a lack of popular involvement in politics, corruption, and a lack of responsiveness and accountability from the ruling class. Elections are thus only used to justify current disempowerment, and the vote box now serves as a symbolic way of legalising lawlessness, rendering democratic participation useless. The dynamics and tactics of electoral corruption in Nigeria and how they have affected democratic government are the main topics of this study. In order to strengthen democracy in the most populous nation in Africa, it also makes recommendations for how to counteract the threat during the country's political process. It is to this the study centers on effects of corruption on 2023 general elections: an appraisal of Lagos state

1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

       The rate of electoral corruption is still on the rise despite the efforts made by a variety of individuals, groups, and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to educate the Nigerian population about the effects of electoral (misconduct) malpractices on the effectiveness of political office holders. This can be attributed to gross undereducation, as some people are still suffering from the effects of electoral corruption. This is one of the reasons why electorates continue to solicit bribes in order to cast their ballots and support candidates. These bribes may take the form of money, goods like salt, rice, or magic, or they may take another form entirely. This is a blatant sign that voters still don't understand some important information about the consequences of political fraud, and hence widespread voter education is the key to solving this country's problems.it is to this the study centres  on examine Effects Of Corruption On 2023 General Elections.

1.3 Objectives Of the Study

The main purpose of the study is to examine Effects Of Corruption On 2023 General Elections: An Appraisal Of Lagos State. Other objectives of the study include:

1 To examine electoral corruption in Nigerian elections of 2023 in Lagos state

2 To outline the causes of corruptions in Nigeria

3 To ascertain the impact of corruption on electoral process in Lagos state

4 To recommend ways of eliminating corrupt practices in Elections of Lagos state

1.4 Research Questions

1 What is electoral corruption in Nigerian elections of 2023 in Lagos state?

2 What are the causes of corruptions in Nigeria?

3 what is  the effect of corruption on electoral process in Lagos state?

4 what are the  ways of eliminating corrupt practices in Elections of Lagos state ?

1.5 Significance Of The Study

    The knowledge of the effects of corruption on elections  would be beneficial to the general population (electorate) in Nigeria and Lagos state in particular. It is the joy of the researcher that any persons that have the opportunity to read this work will be further be enlightened to the effects of electoral corruptions. The researcher also feels that this study will be of benefit to those adult who have come up to the age of voting as stipulated by the constitution of Nigeria; furthermore, the result of the findings will be of help to the independent electoral commission, students, parents and other related electoral bodies.

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study

The study is limited to effects of corruption on 2023 general elections: an appraisal of Lagos state. The study is limited to Lagos state

1.7 Definitions of Terms

Corruption: Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense which is undertaken by a person or an organization which is entrusted in a position of authority, in order to acquire illicit benefits or abuse power for one's personal gain

Elections:  Election is the fact of electing, or being elected.

1.8 Organization Of the Study

The present report is divided into five chapters. First chapter gives  introduction and background to the study. Second chapter deals with relevant studies found in the literature and that are related to the  i.e. review of literature. Third chapter deals with the methodology and procedure used in this study  Fourth chapter deals with the analysis of data and presentation of the study which evaluates the data collected keeping in mind the set objectives.  Fifth chapter deals with conclusions and suggestions which are derived from this study.