ABSTRACT

The study compares electoral reforms and their implications on democratization in Nigeria and Ghana: in the light of the trends of knowledge on comparative African democratization, where Ghana is largely seen to be consolidated unlike Nigeria; and which had not taken into cognisance the electoral developments in Nigeria between 2010 and 2015. Extent Literature on comparative African democratization, while not being updated as observed, also had not contextualised electoral reforms and democratization in Nigeria and Ghana, between 2010 and 2015. While being guide by the propositions of systems theory and employs secondary method of data collection, the study utilises the descriptive method of content analysis in validating the research hypotheses. Having known that the democratizing process offers opportunities for electoral reforms to correct observed weaknesses and improve the effectiveness of electoral administration in the governance of the state, we recommend that democratic space should be maintain for viable opposition, which only enhance political power alternation and competitive party politics.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page………………………………………………………………………………i Approval Page…………………………………………………………………………ii Dedication…………………………………………………………………………….iii Acknowledgement…………………………………………………………………….iv Table of Contents……………………………………………………………………..v List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………vi List of Figures………………………………………………………………………..vii Abstract………………………………………………………………………………viii CHAPTER ONE: Introduction 1.1. Background of the Study………………………………………………………..1 1.2.Statement of the Problem………………………………………………………..3 1.3.Objectives of the Study…………………………………………………………7 1.4.Significance of the Study………………………………………………………..7 CHAPTER TWO: Literature Review 2.1. Literature Review………………………………………………………………8 CHAPTER THREE: Methodology 3.1. Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………21 3.2. Hypotheses …………………………………………………………………….23 3.3. Research Design………………………………………………………………..23 3.4. Methods of Data Collection……………………………………………………25 3.5. Methods of Data Analysis………………………………………………….….26 3.6. Logical Data Framework………………………………………………………27 CHAPTER FOUR: ELECTORAL REFORMS AND REGIME CHANGE IN NIGERIA AND GHANA. 4.1. Regime Change……………………………………………………………….29 4.2. Electoral Reforms in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic………………………………34 4.3. Electoral Reforms in Ghana’s Fourth Republic………………………………46 4.4. An Overview of Regime Change in Ghana………………………………..….61 4.5. An Overview of Regime Change in Nigeria………………………………….65 CHAPTER FIVE: ELECTORAL REFORMS AND PARTY POLITICS IN NIGERIA AND GHANA 5.1. Party Politics…………………………………………………………………73 5.2. Party Politics in Ghana………………………………………………………76 5.3. Party Politics in Nigeria………………………………………………………86 5.4. Competitive Party Politics in Nigeria and Ghana……………………………97 CHAPTER SIX: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1. Summary………………………………………………………………………101 6.2. Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….105 6.3. Recommendations………………………………………………………….…..105 Bibliography …………………………………………………………………….…106