International Law and Electoral Integrity: Evaluating Nigeria’s Compliance with African Union Electoral Standards

This study evaluates Nigeria's compliance with African Union (AU) electoral standards as set out in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and related instruments. Nigeria, as one of Africa's largest democracies, has a significant impact on regional democratic governance, yet its electoral processes have repeatedly been marked by allegations of fraud, violence, and institutional manipulation. The research adopts a descriptive case-study methodology, focusing on the 2023 general elections and drawing on AU election observation mission reports, domestic court judgments, and recent scholarship on African electoral governance. It examines the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in implementing AU standards on voter registration, transparency of results, and the independence of electoral management bodies. The paper identifies systemic weaknesses including the absence of effective sanctions for electoral malpractice, undue influence of money politics, and delays in electoral dispute resolution. It further analyses Nigeria's reporting obligations under ACDEG and the extent to which recommendations from previous AU observer missions have been implemented. Findings suggest a significant compliance deficit, particularly in the areas of electoral security and campaign finance regulation. Recommendations include constitutional amendments to strengthen electoral body independence, increased civic education funding, and ratification of outstanding AU democracy and governance instruments. Keywords: ACDEG, electoral integrity, African Union, INEC, Nigeria.