Menace of Cyber Interference and Paradigm Shift in Election Security: Assessing the Fate of Democratic Election in Nigeria

The contemporary election has witnessed tremendous changes in its security context, administration, delivery and management as a result of cyberspace and technology interference in democratic process. The noticeable trends in election security has remained the rapid movement more and more away from the regimented physical policing system which is characterised by technological ineptitude and corruption in Nigeria toward cyber security which is more efficient and effective. This study argues that cyber interference in election is imminent as more election management bodies (EMBs) continue to deploy the use of ICT and other cyber technologies for data/election material safety, efficient and cost effectiveness in management of democratic elections. However, the critical challenges remain how to curtail threats to election security created by deployment of new technologies to conduct and manage election. Given the incessant and looming danger of cyber-attack in terms of ransomeware, phishing and hacking that is gradually crippling the ability of modern states to conduct credible election. Nigerian government must create discerning approach to control excessiveness of cyber interference in its election while annexing its benefits to the fullest.