Technology Security and Electoral Credibility in Nigeria: A National Security Review of BVAS and IReV in the 2023 General Elections

Abstract

Recent electoral cycles in Nigeria have witnessed the adoption of digital innovations aimed at improving the credibility of elections. However, the 2023 general elections exposed critical vulnerabilities in these technologies, including system malfunctions, delays in result transmission, and susceptibility to manipulation. While previous studies have examined their administrative and legal aspects, limited attention has been given to the national security implications of technological failures in elections. This study addresses this gap by investigating how insecure or poorly governed electoral technology can erode democratic legitimacy, trigger post-election violence, and deepen political instability. Drawing on securitization theory and democratic legitimacy theory, the research employs a mixed methods design, integrating trend analysis (2019–2024), incident data, and qualitative insights from expert interviews and documentary sources. The findings indicate that when electoral technology is compromised, it becomes a driver of systemic distrust and insecurity. The study recommends a security-governance approach that treats electoral technology as critical national infrastructure, supported by legal reforms, cybersecurity safeguards, and proactive counter-disinformation strategies.