Assessment of Biometric Voter Registration System Effectiveness in Reducing Election Fraud in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

Biometric voter registration and verification systems were introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission to reduce multiple registration, impersonation, and underage voting in Nigerian elections, but their effectiveness in reducing these fraud forms in North Central states such as Kogi has not been systematically evaluated. This study assesses the effectiveness of the INEC biometric voter registration system in reducing electoral fraud indicators in Kogi State during the 2023 general elections. A descriptive case study design was applied, combining secondary data analysis of INEC voter register audit reports, accreditation data from collation centres, and documented electoral petition records with primary survey data from 200 election officials and observers across twelve polling units in three local government areas. Descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis of documented incidents were applied. Available electoral technology literature from North Central Nigeria identifies BVAS device failures, network disconnection during accreditation, and logistical delays as the most frequently reported technical challenges affecting biometric verification effectiveness. The E-voting System Effectiveness Framework and the Technology Adoption in Public Administration model provide the analytical reference. Findings indicate a measurable reduction in accreditation irregularities compared to pre-biometric elections, but persistent challenges in device reliability in rural polling units. Recommendations address device maintenance protocols, offline verification capability requirements, and INEC staff technical training standards. Keywords: biometric voter registration, election fraud, Kogi State, INEC, North Central Nigeria.