ABSTRACT
This study examines the role of security agencies in a free, fair and credible election. Faced with the problem of the police having not only failed to properly carry out their election responsibilities but have themselves ended up being a central element of the security challenges connected with the conduct of elections in Nigeria, the study was guided by the following objectives;
1. To ascertain the impact of electoral violence in free, fair election in Edo State
2. To understand the role of security agencies in free, fair and credible election in Edo State
3. To suggest possible solutions to security challenges to elections in Edo State.
The study employed descriptive and explanatory design, questionnaires in addition to library research were applied in order to collect data. Primary and secondary data sources were used and data was analyzed using statistical package which was presented in frequency tables and percentage. The respondents under the study were about 583 security agents deployed to Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State during the 2023 presidential election. However, 210 respondents correcly filled and returned their questionnaires out of 233. The study findings revealed that there is a significant impact security agencies has on free, fair and credible electio]. Linear regression significant at 0.05 level (2-tailed), 0.00 indicates the significance of interaction between two variables an indication that the significant is under the range of 0.0 and 0.05.
Using the above findings, it implied that there is a strong relationship between security agencies and free, fair and credible elections. Key recommendations from the study are;
1. There is a need to strengthen security measures.
2. There is a need to embrace technological solutions.
3. There is a need to foster dialogue and cooperation between Security agencies and political parties, civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
4. Efforts should be made to promote responsible and ethical journalism.
5. Comprehensive voter education campaigns should be conducted to increase citizens' awareness of their rights and responsibilities, the electoral process, and the consequences of electoral violence.
6. Institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the independence, transparency, and credibility of electoral institutions should be pursued.
7. Regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms should be established to assess the effectiveness of electoral reforms, security measures, and awareness campaigns.
